The Road to War Political Cartoons

The Flower (1919)

This cartoon by the British artist David Low appeared in the Star newspaper on 11 November 1919.  

What is the message of this cartoon?

Denotation Connotation 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 by the British artist David Low appeared in the Star newspaper on 11 November 1919.  

The League of Nations is an angel. Denotation The League of Nations is an angel. Connotation The angel of peace. Meaning The League is a divine bringer of peace to the world. This cartoon by the British artist David Low appeared in the Star newspaper on 11 November 1919.  

The League of Nations is a large flower. Denotation The League of Nations is a large flower. Connotation Peace is a very beautiful thing. Meaning The League is a beautiful thing. This cartoon by the British artist David Low appeared in the Star newspaper on 11 November 1919.  

The flower is growing in a graveyard. Denotation The flower is growing in a graveyard. Connotation The League is one result of the deaths of the First World War. Meaning The soldiers did not die in vain – out of the killing of the war has come a way to keep the peace in the future. This cartoon by the British artist David Low appeared in the Star newspaper on 11 November 1919.  

Origin Date Finally, always remember to look at: (who drew it) (when it was published) This cartoon by the British artist David Low appeared in the Star newspaper on 11 November 1919.  

Origin David Low, in the Star. Details Significance A British newspaper. David Low was a strong supporter of the League of Nations Significance This cartoon illustrates the hope that British people (especially David Low) placed in the League to keep the peace. This cartoon by the British artist David Low appeared in the Star newspaper on 11 November 1919.  

Exactly a year after the Armistice – the first ‘Remembrance Day’. Date 11 November 1919. Details Exactly a year after the Armistice – the first ‘Remembrance Day’. Significance This was part of the British public’s psychologically coming to terms with the First World War – remembering the slaughter, but also hoping it would be ‘the war to end all wars’. This cartoon by the British artist David Low appeared in the Star newspaper on 11 November 1919.  

The Gap in the Bridge (Br 1919)

Japanese Invasion of Manchuria (1931)

A British cartoon of 1933 shows Japan trampling all over the League, whilst Britain powders her nose.

Moral Persuasion (1936) The rabbit is saying: "My offensive equipment being practically nil, it remains for me to fascinate him with the power of my eye."

Denotation Connotation Meaning A rabbit, representing the League of Nations. Connotation Rabbits are weak, and known for running away and hiding. Meaning The League is weak. This cartoon – entitled ‘Moral Persuasion’ appeared in the British satirical magazine Punch in July 1920.   The rabbit says: "My offensive equipment being practically nil, it remains for me to fascinate him with the power of my eye."

Denotation Connotation Meaning A snake, representing ‘international strife’ (i.e. war). Connotation Snakes are powerful and evil, and they eat rabbits. Meaning The League is too weak to expect it to be able to stop war. This cartoon – entitled ‘Moral Persuasion’ appeared in the British satirical magazine Punch in July 1920.   The rabbit says: "My offensive equipment being practically nil, it remains for me to fascinate him with the power of my eye."

Denotation Connotation Meaning The rabbit (knowing it has no weapons) is preparing to try to hypnotise the snake. Connotation IDIOCY! Snakes hypnotise their prey, and rabbits ‘freeze’ with fear – the rabbit is going to be killed. Meaning ‘Moral persuasion’ will never prevent war, and it will be the League which is destroyed. This cartoon – entitled ‘Moral Persuasion’ appeared in the British satirical magazine Punch in July 1920.   The rabbit says: "My offensive equipment being practically nil, it remains for me to fascinate him with the power of my eye."

Date Details Significance July 1920. Poland, Russia and Czechoslovakia were at war and the League could not stop it. Significance This showed the British public’s disappointment that the League seemed unable to stop war. This cartoon – entitled ‘Moral Persuasion’ appeared in the British satirical magazine Punch in July 1920.   The rabbit says: "My offensive equipment being practically nil, it remains for me to fascinate him with the power of my eye."

Italy Invades Abyssinia (1935) A British cartoon of 1935 shows international politics like a stage musical. Britain and France sing: ‘We don’t want you to fight, but by jingo if you do, We will probably issue a joint memorandum Suggesting a mild disapproval of you.’

Appeasement England footballers give the Nazi salute before a match in Germany in 1938 - a picture from German photograph archives.

Re-Militarize the Rhineland

Hitler goose-steps across the ‘spineless leaders of democracy’ towards his goal: ’Boss of the Universe’. The first 3 steps are labelled ‘Rearmament’, ‘Rhineland’ and ‘Danzig’. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper in July 1936.

What is the message of this cartoon?

Denotation Connotation To do this question, you need first to borrow two concepts from English: Denotation (what you see) Connotation (how it affects its audience) Hitler goose-steps across the ‘spineless leaders of democracy’ towards his goal: ’Boss of the Universe’. The first 3 steps are labelled ‘Rearmament’, ‘Rhineland’ and ‘Danzig’. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper in July 1936.

Thumbing one’s nose is a sign of contempt. Denotation Hitler strides across the ‘spineless leaders of democracy’ thumbing his nose. Connotation Hitler goose-steps across the ‘spineless leaders of democracy’ towards his goal: ’Boss of the Universe’. The first 3 steps are labelled ‘Rearmament’, ‘Rhineland’ and ‘Danzig’. Thumbing one’s nose is a sign of contempt. Meaning Hitler was increasing his power with utter contempt for the other countries of the world. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper in July 1936.

Hitler is goose-stepping. Denotation Hitler is goose-stepping. Connotation Hitler goose-steps across the ‘spineless leaders of democracy’ towards his goal: ’Boss of the Universe’. The first 3 steps are labelled ‘Rearmament’, ‘Rhineland’ and ‘Danzig’. German militarism – the goose-step was the formal march of the German army. Meaning Hitler is increasing his power by force and threat of military force. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper in July 1936.

Hitler is goose-stepping over ‘the spineless leaders of democracy’ Denotation Hitler is goose-stepping over ‘the spineless leaders of democracy’ Connotation Hitler goose-steps across the ‘spineless leaders of democracy’ towards his goal: ’Boss of the Universe’. The first 3 steps are labelled ‘Rearmament’, ‘Rhineland’ and ‘Danzig’. The leaders of the western democracies are just giving way to Hitler. Meaning Anger at appeasement and the need to stand up to Hitler – who intended to keep on expanding – are a regular message of Low’s cartoons.

Denotation Connotation Meaning The first three steps are taken towards the ultimate goal: ‘Boss of the Universe’. Connotation Hitler goose-steps across the ‘spineless leaders of democracy’ towards his goal: ’Boss of the Universe’. The first 3 steps are labelled ‘Rearmament’, ‘Rhineland’ and ‘Danzig’. ‘Taking steps’ implies conscious decisions. Low does not know what Hitler will do next. Meaning Low does not know what Hitler will do next, but he is sure that Hitler intends to continue until he rules the world. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper in July 1936.

Origin Date Finally, always remember to look at: (who drew it) (when it was published) Hitler goose-steps across the ‘spineless leaders of democracy’ towards his goal: ’Boss of the Universe’. The first 3 steps are labelled ‘Rearmament’, ‘Rhineland’ and ‘Danzig’. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper in July 1936.

Date Details Significance The British cartoonist David Low, in a British newspaper. Details Hitler goose-steps across the ‘spineless leaders of democracy’ towards his goal: ’Boss of the Universe’. The first 3 steps are labelled ‘Rearmament’, ‘Rhineland’ and ‘Danzig’. Low hated Hitler and appeasement. Significance Low is reflecting the anti-appeasement standpoint that Hitler was just humiliating the appeasers. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper in July 1936.

Origin Details Significance July 1936. Hitler goose-steps across the ‘spineless leaders of democracy’ towards his goal: ’Boss of the Universe’. The first 3 steps are labelled ‘Rearmament’, ‘Rhineland’ and ‘Danzig’. In March 1936, German troops had re-occupied the Rhineland. Significance Low is warning that Hitler needed to be confronted, or he would continue trying to take over more countries. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper in July 1936.

Anschluss March 1938

The deer is labelled ‘Austrian Integrity’ and the sign says ‘Strictly Preserved’. Drawn by the British cartoonist Bernard Partridge for the satirical magazine Punch in February 1938.

Hitler as a poacher, stealing a deer labelled ‘Austrian Integrity’. Denotation The deer is labelled ‘Austrian Integrity’ and the sign says ‘Strictly Preserved’. Hitler as a poacher, stealing a deer labelled ‘Austrian Integrity’. Connotation Poaching has connotations of crime and cruelty – Hitler is shown as a ‘bad man’. Meaning Hitler is stealing Austria’s integrity (= independence/freedom). Drawn by the British cartoonist Bernard Partridge for the satirical magazine Punch in February 1938.

A sign stating: ‘Strictly preserved’. Denotation The deer is labelled ‘Austrian Integrity’ and the sign says ‘Strictly Preserved’. A sign stating: ‘Strictly preserved’. Connotation Hitler is committing an illegal act. Meaning Anschluss was forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles, but Hitler was breaking the terms of the Treaty. Drawn by the British cartoonist Bernard Partridge for the satirical magazine Punch in February 1938.

The gun represents German militarism, violence and expansionism. Denotation The deer is labelled ‘Austrian Integrity’ and the sign says ‘Strictly Preserved’. Hitler carries a gun. Connotation The gun represents German militarism, violence and expansionism. Meaning Hitler is stealing Austria’s integrity by force Drawn by the British cartoonist Bernard Partridge for the satirical magazine Punch in February 1938.

Denotation The deer is labelled ‘Austrian Integrity’ and the sign says ‘Strictly Preserved’. The gamekeeper (who looks like Mussolini) lounges against the rock, waving Hitler on. Connotation It is a lazy, ‘do-nothing’ pose, and the gesture is one of encouragement. Meaning Mussolini (who stopped Hitler in 1934) is allowing – even encouraging – Hitler. Drawn by the British cartoonist Bernard Partridge for the satirical magazine Punch in February 1938.

Austria is represented as a deer. Denotation The deer is labelled ‘Austrian Integrity’ and the sign says ‘Strictly Preserved’. Austria is represented as a deer. Connotation Deer as beautiful, but vulnerable. (Although Austria was in fact a authoritarian, right-wing state.) Meaning Note how cartoonist misrepresents Austria (as delicate and vulnerable) in order to make Hitler look worse – i.e. this is a biased source.

Origin Details Significance The British cartoonist Bernard Partridge. The deer is labelled ‘Austrian Integrity’ and the sign says ‘Strictly Preserved’. The British cartoonist Bernard Partridge. Details Partridge, as many British people, was alarmed by Hitler’s expansionism. Significance Partridge is warning people of Hitler’s violent intentions; this is an anti-appeasement cartoon saying ‘why isn’t someone stopping him?’ Drawn by the British cartoonist Bernard Partridge for the satirical magazine Punch in February 1938.

A month before Anschluss, as the crisis was developing. Date The deer is labelled ‘Austrian Integrity’ and the sign says ‘Strictly Preserved’. February 1938. Details A month before Anschluss, as the crisis was developing. Significance Partridge is predicting (and condemning) the Anschluss if nothing is done to stop Hitler. Drawn by the British cartoonist Bernard Partridge for the satirical magazine Punch in February 1938.

At the back, Britain says to France, who is next-to-last: ‘Why should we take a stand about someone pushing someone else when it’s all so far away?’

Czechoslovakia/ Munich Conference

Munich Agreement 9/29/38 Chamberlain

Deutschland Uber Alles (‘Germany over all’) Deutschland Uber Alles (‘Germany over all’). 'Europe can look forward to a Christmas of peace'

March 15, 1939

Nazi-Soviet Pact