Life — January 18, 1917 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Explanation of "Who Will Be Hanged After the War?" This page from *Life* magazine presents a post-World War I political argument about war crimes accountability. The cartoon illustration (captioned "Asking for a Raise") shows a figure in an elevated position addressing others below, likely depicting a German military or political leader. The text argues that hanging Kaiser Wilhelm II would be impractical and counterproductive. Instead, the author suggests targeting lower-ranking German officers responsible for specific atrocities—the execution of Edith Cavell, Captain Fryatt's death, and Belgian atrocities. The piece contends that Germans themselves should execute these war criminals, as the Allies lack practical authority to do so. It reflects contemporary debates over German accountability and justice following WWI's conclusion.