Life — June 1, 1916 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 1022 **"How to Save Paper"** is a wartime economy piece (references "the war" and German chemical use). The main cartoon depicts a grotesque German military figure—identifiable by the spiked helmet and iron cross—representing Germany's resource consumption. The accompanying editorial argues Americans should conserve paper by: - Stopping advertising mail circulation - Denying Congressional printing privileges except for military matters - Halting government printing temporarily A secondary cartoon labeled "Joining the Colors: Black and Tan" shows a figure joining military service. The satire criticizes wasteful American practices (especially congressional documents and periodical advertising) while framing paper conservation as patriotic duty during WWI. The German caricature emphasizes the enemy's material desperation, justifying American sacrifice.