What is the message of this cartoon?

1. 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.

2. What is the message of this cartoon?

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper in July 1936.

7. Denotation Other countries, represented by children, wait in line to be stolen. 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’. Children are weak, vulnerable, and need protection. Meaning Hitler will carry on taking more (this is a common message of Low cartoons). This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper in July 1936.

8. Denotation The bed-head reads: ‘Ex French-British family’. 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’. Family has connotations of friendship, but also of duty/support. Meaning Britain is betraying/losing her allies, which she has a duty to help. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper in July 1936.

9. Denotation 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.

10. Finally, always remember to look at: Origin (who drew it) Date (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.

11. Date 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.

12. Origin July 1936. 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’. 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.