Life — May 4, 1916 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page (May 1915) This page commemorates the **Lusitania sinking (May 7, 1915)**, a German U-boat attack on a British passenger liner that killed 128 American citizens. The cartoon "Lest We Forget" shows four figures—likely representing different nations or perspectives—toasting over drinks, with one holding a "Lusitania" newspaper. The implicit message: don't forget this atrocity. The text below sarcastically addresses American readers who might want to "avoid being kicked in the face by Germany" by not subscribing to the next issue. This mocks pacifist sentiment, arguing that appeasement won't prevent further attacks. The advertisement promotes a special "Lusitania Number" of Life magazine for May 9th—capitalizing on public outrage over the tragedy to boost subscriptions.