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Three cartoons at the start of the First World War
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Three cartoons at the start of the First World War
Three cartoons at the start of the First World War: at the top, a comment on needing another war to collect the debts for this one, with heads of state presenting their bills; and two contrasting ones: what war means in England (one soldier and many civilians), and what it means in Germany (one civilian and many soldiers). Date: August 1914
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Media ID 14121846
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bill Bills Civilian Civilians Collect Comment Contrast Contrasting Cost Debt Debts Expense Heads Presenting Satire Satirical
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Three Provocative Perspectives on the Onset of the First World War: A Satirical Look (August 1914) Amidst the escalating tensions and the impending storm of the First World War, three cartoons from August 1914 offer a striking commentary on the human cost and the contrasting experiences of war in Europe. At the top, a satirical cartoon depicts heads of state gathered around a table, each presenting their bills to collect the debts for the ongoing war. The caption reads, "Another War! We'll need one to pay for this one!" This biting commentary highlights the financial and political motivations behind the conflict, as European powers found themselves entangled in a web of debts and obligations. Beneath this, two contrasting images illustrate the starkly different realities of war in England and Germany. In the English scene, a lone soldier stands amongst a crowd of civilians, all looking up in awe or fear as a massive cannon looms in the background. The caption reads, "What War Means in England: One Soldier and Many Civilians." This image underscores the collective impact of war on the civilian population, with the soldier representing the military machine that protects the home front. In the German scene, a single civilian stands amidst a sea of soldiers, each holding their rifles and preparing for battle. The caption reads, "What War Means in Germany: One Civilian and Many Soldiers." This image emphasizes the militaristic culture and the overwhelming presence of the military in German society, with the civilian serving as a reminder of the human cost of war. These three cartoons, created at the beginning of the First World War, offer a poignant and thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of war and its impact on European societies. Through satire and humour, they invite us to reflect on the human experience of war and the underlying motivations that drove the continent towards the devastating conflict.
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