War in Europe - Political Cartoons

Source A: Cartoon by the British cartoonist Sidney 'George' Strube appeared in the Daily Express on 3 October 1938 (shortly after the Munich Agreement). Chamberlain (on the right, with nothing but a hat and umbrella), confronts Mars (the God of War)

What is the overall message of this source?

• The message of this source is the Munich Agreement will make war more likely.

• The message of this source is Chamberlain is a brave leader

• The message of this source is Chamberlain's fearlessness saved Europe from war

• The message of the source is Chamberlain was foolish to challenge the God of War

Answer explanation

The source is praising Chamberlain for going to great lengths, flying three times to meet Hitler over the issue of Sudetenland, and in doing so averting war.

Source B: British cartoon published during the Munich Agreement

What can you learn from this source about the British policy of appeasement

• I can learn that appeasement was a successful because it will always keep Britain safe.

• I can learn that Germany was a big threat that needed to be dealt with.

• I can learn that the policy of appeasement was motivated by a desire to keep Britain safe

• I can learn that the policy of appeasement was short-sighted because eventually Germany will still threaten Britain

Answer explanation

The cartoonist is pointing out that appeasement based on the premise that the problems over in Europe does not affect Britain is quite foolish. Britain will run out of potential allies and is allowing Germany to get stronger and gain momentum.

Source C:

British cartoon published during the Abyssinian Crisis. The source reads "It's an ill wind that blows nobody good". The two ships bear the Nazi and Imperial Japanese flags. There is a lady (LON) pulling a kite in between the ships. Above the kite is the phrase Abyssinian Breeze.

What is the message of this source?

• The message of the source is that failures of LON during the Abyssinian Crisis has fuelled the expansionist plans of Japan and Germany.

• The message of the source is that Germany and Japan has helped weakened LON

• The message of the source is that LON had succeeded in stopping Italy; Germany and Japan is next.

• The message of the source is the Abyssinian Crisis is a small issue that will blow over.

Source D: American cartoon published during the crisis between Austria and Germany

What can you learn from this source?

• I can learn that Germany and Austria entered into a union peacefully.

• I can learn that Germany is an aggressive country.

• I can learn that Germany and Austria entered into a union forcefully.

• I can learn that Germany had forced Austria into a union

Answer explanation

Germany had sent troops into Austria before the referendum (vote) and thus it was not done in a fair and peaceful manner.

Source E: German poster commenting on the referendum(vote) for union with Austria

What is the message of the cartoon?

• Germany will fix Austria's problems

• Austria and Germany will get stronger together

• Union will unite German-speaking Austrians with the rest of Germany

• Germany would prefer if Austria remains separate

Answer explanation

Hitler viewed Austria as part of Greater Germany and that union was natural. This defied the terms of TOV. Hitler himself was born in Austria.