Honors Thesis Archive
| Author | Melissa Newman |
|---|---|
| Title | The Pictorial Stylings of Louis Raemaekers and Sir David Low: A Comparison of Anti-German Cartoons from World War I to World War II |
| Department | History |
| Advisors | Dr. Molly Wood, Dr. Joshua Paddison, and Dr. Michael Mattison |
| Year | 2016 |
| Honors | University Honors |
| Full Text | View Thesis (3437 KB) |
| Abstract | This essay explores how artists Louis Raemaekers and Sir David Low used political cartoons during the World Wars. Pictorial propaganda, such as political cartoons, social cartoons, caricatures, and comic art, played a significant role during war efforts and were used to sway the opinions of viewers. Pictorial propaganda was used to unify the public, to reinforce already existing negative stereotypes, to make people aware of atrocities, and to encourage other countries to form alliances and to persuade them to join the war. Dutch artist Louis Raemaekers directed hatred towards Germany and Kaiser Wilhelm II and was considered the most influential cartoonist during World War I. Raemaekers' cartoons focused on showing the atrocities the Germans committed against helpless countries and people. Themes of patriotism and America's duty to help victims became Raemaekers main focuses in his cartoons. During World War II, New Zealand artist Sir David Low was known for his cartoons of Hitler and was, according to Timothy Benson, "the most celebrated political cartoonist of the last century." Low had similar focuses to Raemaekers but drew his characters in their true likeliness, whereas Raemaekers used images of animals. Low also focused on wartime patriotism, the theme of sacrifice, and the passivity of allies during war. Pictorial cartoons and propaganda that were put out by the Allies during the World Wars varied in style, but overall similar themes of patriotism, pride, and sacrifice and had the intention of showing civilians to support the war efforts and also to turn the public opinion against the enemy by showing their flaws and barbaric actions. |
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