Caricature map of Europe at the start of First World War
By AMSCHEWITZ, John Henry , 1914
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European Revue. Kill that Eagle.

Continent of Europe Europe
  • Author: AMSCHEWITZ, John Henry
  • Publication place: [London],
  • Publisher: Produced by "Geographia" Ltd. 55 Fleet Str.,
  • Publication date: [1914].
  • Physical description: Chromolithograph map, folding into original pink paper covers with publisher's label.
  • Dimensions: 500 by 720mm (19.75 by 28.25 inches).
  • Inventory reference: 2005

Notes

Great Britain is personified by John Bull rolling up his sleeves and brandishing a cutlass; troops from Canada, Australia, India and Ireland are shown to his left, with the phrase "Business as Usual" written across England. To the continent Germany is represented as a swooping eagle, whose talon has grasped the French Marianne's bayonet. Austria the clown has been knocked off his ass by the German eagle, his right hand is being stung by a Bosnian bee, and bitten by a Serbian dog, whilst the Russian Bear, aided by some charging cossacks, grabs the clown's right foot and a German talon. The rest of the Balkans and Greece get ready to fight a reluctant Ottoman Empire, who is being pushed into war by an eager Germany. Spain and Scandinavia look on, whilst Italy sings a popular song "You made me love you. I didn't want to do it", in reference to her involvement in the Triple Alliance with Austria and Germany. At the time of the map she was neutral; a year later she would side with Britain, France, and Russia against their pre-war allies.

Bibliography

  1. BLMC Maps 1078.(43.)

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