asMost people think of maps as directional aids or topographic representations of data, but they can also serve as propaganda tools. Today’s feature is a British propaganda map from very early in WW1. It was originally printed by Johnson & Riddle, the printers for maps of the London underground, and published in Punch magazine. Walter Emanuel, who’s name is in the upper left corner of the map, added commentary.
The Good Guys
The creators use dogs to represent the combatants. Even if we didn’t know the map’s origins it’s biases make it obvious this wasn’t printed in Berlin, Vienna, or even Paris. The target audience for this propaganda is clearly the British public. The bulldog representing Britain straddles the English Channel. Its front legs firmly on the continent demonstrating staunch support for its French allies. Its rear legs remain grounded in Britain signifying the expected short duration of the conflict. Additionally, the British sailor holds leashes connected to the dreadnoughts that guarantee the safety of the homeland. The allied French are represented by a poodle, who although fierce is definitely in a defensive position.
The Enemy
In contrast to the resolute bulldog and brave poodle, the German dachshund appears as a fearsome wild-eyed creature bent on destruction. If you look more closely, you’ll notice that the dachshund has its tail tucked between its legs. So even though its presenting an aggressive front, it’s really afraid. Represented by an undetermined breed, which I suspect is a stab at the polyglot nature of their empire, the Austro-Hungarians suffer the greatest ridicule. Lashed to the collar of the dachshund they are seen as pawns of their ally. Additionally, their dog is howling in pain from wounds representing their battlefield defeats. The pesky Serbian wasp has stung the dog’s left forepaw. Additionally, the Russian steamroller driven by Czar Nicholas has already pinned the mutt’s tail to the ground.
In addition to the steamroller, the Russian imagery also features the famed Russian bear and a Cossack (the shadowy horseman in Ukraine) rushing west. As part of the inducement to join the war and close the Dardanelles to the allies, the Ottoman holds a leash to two German cruisers in the Black Sea. Lest we forget the real menace, a fez wearing German dachshund stands directly behind the Ottoman presumably directing his moves. Of course the Ottoman’s actions will not go unchecked. A Russian Cossack, similar to the one in Ukraine, is in central Anatolia attacking them from behind.
Other Countries
It’s hard to make out, but just above the bulldog’s head there’s a small pug-like dog and a tiny Belgian flag. Most of Belgium fell to the Germans in the early months of the war. Also, the Ottoman empire is depicted as a member of the Central powers, but Italy remains neutral. That suggests that the map dates from late 1914. If you want to try and get more precise, try this link to a timeline of events in WW1.
Even the non-combatants don’t escape the propaganda brush. Many of them also have pictorial representations, a bull-fighter in Spain, the soldiers in Italy and Greece, and a mountain climber in Switzerland.
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As always thanks for reading.
Armen
A special thanks to readers, in particular, Andy Ross for bringing a few errors to my attention – specifically my misreading of the Ottoman situation. I’ve made corrections to the text.
Very interesting! 🙂 xx
Thanks Fran, I’m glad you enjoyed the post.