WW1 - Cartoon - German tradesman in England adapts to war
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WW1 - Cartoon - German tradesman in England adapts to war
WW1 - " A quick change of front." - The text plays on the word front, as Britain declares war on Germany. The German tradesman adapts his shop front to disguise his origin. Date: 1914
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Media ID 14224979
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Comical Disguise Enemy Ethnicity Fronting Keeper Origin Stands Tradesman Warfare
A Quick Change of Front - A German Tradesman in England Adapts to War
EDITORS COMMENTS
(1914) is a poignant and comical cartoon that captures the tense atmosphere of the early days of World War I. With Britain declaring war on Germany in August 1914, this image depicts a German tradesman, standing in front of his shop, making a hasty transformation to blend in with his new English surroundings. The cartoon plays on the double meaning of the word "front." On one hand, it refers to the physical shop front that the tradesman is altering to disguise his origin. On the other hand, it alludes to the military term "front," as the war was raging on the Western Front in Europe. The German tradesman, dressed in a traditional Bavarian outfit, is shown removing the German flags and signs from his shop and replacing them with Union Jack symbols. He is seen wearing an English cap and holding a broom, signaling his intent to conform to his new English identity. The cartoon's title, "A Quick Change of Front," emphasizes the tradesman's swift adaptation to the changing circumstances. This historical cartoon offers a glimpse into the ethnic tensions and fears that arose during the early stages of the war. It also highlights the resilience and adaptability of immigrants in the face of adversity. The image is a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of the war experience, which extended beyond the battlefields and affected the lives of civilians in various ways. The cartoon's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the comical and human side of a historical event, making it an essential addition to any collection of World War I memorabilia or historical cartoons. This image, from the Mary Evans Prints Online archive, is a testament to the power of art to reflect and preserve the rich tapestry of history.
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