1. HISTORICAL CARTOONS
The First World War
Pre-released version 2000

2. Snubbed
A British comment on Italy’s alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary in 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.

3. The Elastic Estimates
Fritz: ‘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

4. All’s Well!
This cartoon is a British view of the relationship between Britain and Russia established in 1907.
British lion to Russian bear (together): ‘What a pity we didn’t know each other before.’

5. Why not?
Britain
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

6. The German Peace
UK and USA
national flags
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.
German Eagle (to Arbitration Bird): ‘No foreign doves required; we hatch our own, thank you.’

7. Poker and Tongs; or how we’ve hot to play game
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.
Kaiser: ‘I go three Dreadnoughts.’
John Bull: ‘Well, just to show there’s no ill-feeling, I raise you three.’

8. The Power Behind
This 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.
Serbia
Austria-Hungary

9. Bravo, Belgium!
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.

10. Hong Kong Association of History Educators
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.
Prepared by
Hong Kong Association of History Educators
August 2000