This political cartoon by David Low, depicts how Hitler was able to reach his goal by stepping all over the "spineless leaders of democracy" that appeased him.
The are many interesting elements in this cartoon. The first component that strikes me is how people like Neville Chamberlain the British prime minister that appeased Hitler were described - "spineless leaders of democracy." Another thing I saw was the carpet laid out for Hitler as he ascended the ladder of "taking over the world." In this cartoon Hitler is thumbing his nose, which is a sign of disrespect. Disrespect and Intolerance is exactly what he showed as he planned the murder of innocent people that he "believed" were "in his way and out to get him and destory his perfect world."
This cartoon illustrates a point. Hitler was able to reach his goal from the results of appeasement. If you give a mouse a cookie, he will probably ask you for some milk. If you give Hitler Germany, he will probably want to take over the world.
This cartoon you found is very interesting. And I think you're right; it very much ties in with what we have been studying about appeasement. What its engaging to me is the tone of the illustrator. The label of "spineless leaders of democracy" has a bitter or angry tone and obviously the illustrator does not think much of the the way the Allies handled Hitler leading to his rise with the way the men are all slouched with their heads down. The cartoon makes us wonder what people are today turning a blind eye to, and what we are allowing to stroll up the carpet.
ReplyDeleteThis cartoon is very relevant and fits perfectly with the way we learned about Hitler's rise to power. Your analysis of the cartoon was very insightful and it was good that you focused on every detail down to HItler's hand position.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting cartoon and I am glad you were able to find it. I think it is important to notice that all of these people are laying down and not trying to stand up. Trying to visualize a "spineless leader" (or any spineless person) standing up is very hard and looks a bit awkward. Having them laid down gives the audience a feeling that they are just tools Hitler used to get to success.
ReplyDeleteI think your analysis is great. May i ask if this cartoon depicts a positive or negative impression of hitler?
ReplyDeletesorry to ask another question. What's the provenance of this source? David Low is a political cartoonist or what?
ReplyDelete