This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine Krokodil on 30 July 1945.

What is the message of this cartoon?

To do this question, you need first to borrow two concepts from English:

Denotation(what you see)

Connotation(how it affects its audience)

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine Krokodil on 30 July 1945.

Three huge official cars, flying the flags of the USA, USSR and UK, outside an important building.

These are the cars of important representatives of the USA, USSR and UK – Truman, Stalin & Atlee.

Denotation

Connotation

MeaningThis is a scene outside the Potsdam conference, and these are the drivers of the ‘Big Three’ leaders at the conference.

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine Krokodil on 30 July 1945.

The three drivers share a smoke and a laugh – they are friendly and united.

To show ‘working men’ rather than the leaders is a very comradely thing to do!

Denotation

Connotation

MeaningThe ‘workers of the world’ are united and happy to be working together at the conference.

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine Krokodil on 30 July 1945.

The three drivers are from the USA, the USSR and the UK.

Drivers steer the car – so these men represent the leaders inside who are steering the peace.

Denotation

Connotation

MeaningThese men represent the unity, goodwill and common cause of the ‘Big Three’ leaders at the Potsdam Conference.

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine Krokodil on 30 July 1945.

The Soviet car is in the middle, and its driver is at the front.

‘Central’ = important/ vital.

‘At the front’ = the leader/ more up to date/ more important.

Denotation

Connotation

MeaningThe USSR is the most important state at the Conference, leading its decisions, setting the example.

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine Krokodil on 30 July 1945.

Finally, always remember to look at:

Origin(who drew it)

Date(when it was published)

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine Krokodil on 30 July 1945.

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine Krokodil on 30 July 1945.

The Soviet magazine Krokodil.

The magazine would have been completely under the control of the Soviet state.

Origin

Details

SignificanceThis is an official, government statement about the conference. It is a piece of propaganda.

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine Krokodil on 30 July 1945.

30 July 1945.

Just 3 days before the conference ended – i.e. the cartoon bears no relation to reality.

Date

Details

SignificanceFor some reason, the Soviets are choosing to present the Big Three as friendly and united – why they should do so is a question of interest to historians.

In reality, the Potsdam Conference was ill-tempered and affair, and Truman and Atlee clashed with Stalin.