This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus

This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.

What is the message of this cartoon?

To do this question, you need first to borrow two concepts from English: Denotation (what you see) Connotation (how it affects its audience) This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.

Denotation A prisoner (representing Germany) faces the guillotine. Connotation Used to kill a criminal. Meaning The guillotine represents ‘the Treaty of Versailles’ which will destroy – kill – Germany. This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.

Denotation Characters representing the ‘Big Three’. Connotation They are conducting the execution. Meaning The ‘Big Three’ are to blame – they are the ones who are destroying – killing – Germany. This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.

Denotation A character representing President Wilson holds out his hands. Connotation He seems reasonable/ explaining, but he is still part of the execution squad. Meaning Wilson promised his 14 Points, but he has betrayed Germany – he is still part of the plot to destroy Germany. This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.

Denotation A character representing Clemenceau holds the rope which kills the prisoner. Connotation Clemenceau was the actual ‘executioner’. Meaning Clemenceau was the source of the hatred of Germany – now he is getting his wish to destroy Germany. This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.

Denotation A stern figure representing Lloyd George holds a rolled paper – the execution warrant. Connotation The rolled paper is the Treaty itself. Meaning The treaty is not an attempt at a settlement – it is simply a way (the apparently-legal excuse) to destroy Germany. Lloyd George is also responsible. This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.

Denotation The prisoner is bound. Connotation This may represent the terms of the Armistice, by which Germany disbanded the army and navy. Meaning Germany is powerless to resist – Germany is at the mercy of its enemies. This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.

Denotation The prisoner is semi-naked. Connotation This represents weakness, helplessness and humiliation. Meaning The Big Three have humiliated the German government and got their way to destroy Germany. It is all terribly unfair. This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.

Finally, always remember to look at: Origin (who drew it) Date (when it was published) This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.

Origin An artist in the magazine Simplissimus. Details A German satirical/political magazine. Significance This cartoon shows the bitter, Germans’ view of the Treaty. This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.

Date 3 June 1919. Details After the Treaty was presented to the Germans, but before they agreed to sign it. Significance This was part of the German outcry BEFORE they signed the Treaty – it is part of the German public’s attempt to persuade the government NOT to sign. This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.