Life — September 14, 1916 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis This Life magazine cartoon from 1916 depicts military and naval officers surrounding a woman labeled "REAR ADMIRAL" and "NAVIGATOR." The caption reads "ACCORDING TO JOSEPHUS," referencing Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels. The satire targets Daniels's naval policies and leadership. The woman figure—positioned centrally among uniformed men—likely represents the Navy itself or a controversial policy initiative under Daniels's command. The officers' varied expressions and body language suggest skepticism or confusion about the direction being taken. The cartoon mocks Daniels's authority and decision-making, implying his leadership is misguided or emasculating to the military establishment. This reflects contemporary debates over naval modernization and military preparedness during America's pre-WWI period.