Life — December 16, 1915 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 1187 This page contains **anti-German propaganda** from World War I. The top illustration ("Hints to Hostesses") satirizes the expense of entertaining during wartime. The "Order of Merit for Hyphenated Americans" is savage political satire mocking German-Americans. It sarcastically "rewards" acts of sabotage and treason—blowing up factories, destroying American vessels, and publishing anti-American propaganda—with medals featuring Bryan and the Kaiser. The cartoon titled "Yours in Haste" (bottom) depicts a woman urgently demanding a man's attention, likely referencing wartime anxiety or romantic/social pressure. **Context**: This reflects American hostility toward German-Americans during WWI, when they faced suspicion of disloyalty. The term "hyphenated Americans" referred derisively to immigrants retaining ethnic identity.