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French satirical cartoon - criticism of Second Boer War
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French satirical cartoon - criticism of Second Boer War
French satirical cartoon - criticism of Second Boer War (1899-1902). The British army is pictured as ranks of cloned mules, being slavishly driven to a foreign conflict by an elderly Queen Victoria in a small open carriage accompanied by her son and heir, Edward, the Prince of Wales (future King Edward VII). The caption translates as: " Mules recently enrolled swear loyalty to the flag." Date: circa 1901
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Media ID 7335208
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Anti Boer Clones Enrolled Loyal Loyalty Mule Mules Satire Satirical Swear Swearing Subservience
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This satirical print, created in France around 1901, offers a scathing critique of Britain's involvement in the Second Boer War (1899-1902) through the use of humor and symbolism. In the image, Queen Victoria, depicted as an elderly woman, sits in a small open carriage accompanied by her son and heir, Edward, the Prince of Wales (future King Edward VII. Behind them, ranks of cloned mules, symbolizing the British soldiers, are seen swearing loyalty to the British flag. The mules' subservient posture and blank expressions underscore the satirist's view of the British army as mindless followers, being driven to a foreign conflict without question. The use of mules, an animal known for its stubbornness and strength, may also be a commentary on the perceived stubbornness and unwillingness of the British to withdraw from the war, despite mounting casualties and international criticism. The satire's title, "Mules recently enrolled swear loyalty to the flag," further emphasizes the idea of blind allegiance and the mindless following of orders. This print, with its biting commentary on British imperialism and military conscription, reflects the anti-war sentiments that were prevalent in Europe at the time.
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