This dramatic image, showing a fleet of ships heading toward the viewer, who also appears to be addressed by Uncle Sam on the right, urges civilians to donate to American Relief for Norway, one of more than 20 agencies operating under the National War Fund; in operation between 1943 and 1947, the fund brought a range of overseas relief agencies under one federal organization. Germany invaded Norway on April 8–9, 1940 and the country surrendered on June 10. Norwegian Relief, Inc. was formed in Chicago soon afterward to raise funds for food, supplies, medicines, and housing for Norwegians under occupation; this was only one of several Norwegian-American organizations founded for this purpose, reflecting the large Norwegian-American population in the United States since the late 19th century. In 1943, they all merged to form American Relief for Norway.