What is the message of this cartoon?

1. The cartoon shows Germany crushing Austria. Next in line is Czechoslovakia. 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?’ This cartoon of February 1938 by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper.

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) The cartoon shows Germany crushing Austria. Next in line is Czechoslovakia. 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?’ This cartoon of February 1938 by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper.

4. Denotation A German soldier is leaning heavily on other countries. The cartoon shows Germany crushing Austria. Next in line is Czechoslovakia. 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?’ Connotation This refers to German militarism and Hitler’s aggressive foreign policy. Meaning Nazi Germany is the aggressor – Hitler is trying to dominate other countries. This cartoon of February 1938 by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper.

5. Denotation The first country in the line being crushed is Austria. The cartoon shows Germany crushing Austria. Next in line is Czechoslovakia. 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?’ Connotation Germany was ‘throwing its weight about’ bullying Austria. Meaning Hitler was bullying Austria (Hitler had just forced Schuschnigg to take Nazis into his government). This cartoon of February 1938 by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper.

6. Denotation Behind Austria a row of countries will be crushed in their turn. The cartoon shows Germany crushing Austria. Next in line is Czechoslovakia. 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?’ Connotation The line of countries were in a queue, waiting to be crushed. Meaning Many of Low’s cartoons stressed that Hitler intended simply to go on and on conquering other countries. This cartoon of February 1938 by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper.

7. Denotation Britain and France assure each other that they not need to worry since it’s all far away. The cartoon shows Germany crushing Austria. Next in line is Czechoslovakia. 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?’ Connotation An amazing foresight of what Chamberlain would actually say – seven months later! Meaning Unless Hitler is stopped, Britain’s turn will eventually come (again, this is a common message of Low cartoons). This cartoon of February 1938 by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper.

8. Finally, always remember to look at: Origin (who drew it) Date (when it was published) The cartoon shows Germany crushing Austria. Next in line is Czechoslovakia. 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?’ This cartoon of February 1938 by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper.

9. Date February 1938. The cartoon shows Germany crushing Austria. Next in line is Czechoslovakia. 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?’ Details Just before the Anschluss, after Hitler had bullied Schuschnigg to accepts Nazis in his government. Significance Low is (correctly) predicting that Hitler would not stop with Austria, but will go on to try to bully Czechoslovakia. This cartoon of February 1938 by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper.

10. Origin The British cartoonist David Low. The cartoon shows Germany crushing Austria. Next in line is Czechoslovakia. 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?’ Details Low hated Hitler, and believed that he wanted to take over the world. Significance Low is trying to raise alarm about Hitler, and persuade the British government to stand up to him. This cartoon of February 1938 by the British cartoonist David Low appeared in the Evening Standard newspaper.