HISTORICAL CARTOONSHISTORICAL CARTOONS

The First World WarThe First World WarPre-released version 2000Pre-released version 2000

SnubbedSnubbedA British comment on Italy’s alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1882. Italy had sought to ally herself with Germany after France had seized Tunis in North Africa. In the cartoon the young lady representing Italy is walking with Germany while France stands looking distressed in the background.

The Elastic EstimatesThe Elastic EstimatesFritz: ‘Himmel! De more I squeeze to stretch mein own boat, de bigger it makes de odder one!’

This cartoon, published in 1912, conveys the confidence felt in Britain that the naval race with Germany had been won.

Britain Germany

All’s Well!All’s Well!

British lion to Russian bear (together): ‘What a pity we didn’t know each other before.’

This cartoon is a British view of the relationship between Britain and Russia established in 1907.

Why not?Why not?France (to Russia): ‘Aren’t you going to dance with Mr Bull? Russia: ‘I think I should rather like to, if he wouldn’t tread on my toes.’

France: ‘Oh, but he won’t. He’s improved immensely.

I find him adorable!’.

The cartoon was published in October 1905 and represents the developing relationship between Britain, France and Russia.

Japan

Britain

The German PeaceThe German Peace

German Eagle (to Arbitration Bird): ‘No foreign doves required; we hatch our own, thank you.’

By early 1911, even before the second Moroccan crisis which occurred between July and November 1911, the British view of Germany was already an anxious one. This cartoon was published in Punch in April 1911.

UK and USA national flags

Poker and TongsPoker and Tongs; ; or how we’ve hot to or how we’ve hot to

play gameplay game

Kaiser: ‘I go three Dreadnoughts.’John Bull: ‘Well, just to show there’s no ill-feeling, I raise you three.’

The British cartoon relates the Anglo-German naval race to the larger global competition between the two powers before the First World War. They are playing poker and betting with Dreadnoughts.

The Power BehindThe Power BehindThis Punch cartoon reflects the British view of relations between Austria-Hungary and Serbia after the assassination at Sarajevo. Serbia, represented by the rooster standing on the ground, is about to be attacked by an eagle with outstretched claws. The eagle has two heads as did the eagle on the Austrian coat of arms. A Bear is crouched behind the rock.

Austria-HungarySerbia

Bravo, Bravo, BelgiumBelgium!!

This cartoon was published in the British magazine Punch on 12, August, eight days after Britain had declared war on Germany for its invasion of Belgium.

Prepared byPrepared by

Hong Kong Association of History EducatorsHong Kong Association of History Educators

http://home.hkcampus.net/~hkahe

August 2000August 2000

More will be forthcoming on the coming IT resources CD or our web site.

Teaching resources, such as AL teaching notes, worksheets, sample data-based questions and web resources, are available on our web site.