Life, 1917-09-13 · page 29 of 44
Life — September 13, 1917 — page 29: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a patriotic poem by Arthur Guiterman, not a political cartoon. The decorative border features military and allegorical figures (soldiers, knights, heraldic shields, an eagle), framing an appeal for Allied unity during World War I. The poem's message: soldiers from Britain, America, Belgium, and France—regardless of ethnicity (mentioning Slavs and Italians)—fight together for universal principles: "liberty, justice and peace" and "Truth," not narrow national interests. The refrain "Not for one land, but the World!" emphasizes idealistic internationalism. This reflects WWI propaganda positioning the conflict as a moral crusade for humanity, not territorial gain. The emphasis on diverse nationalities united by shared values represents the Allied coalition's public messaging about their cause's righteousness and broad support.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Allies HAT docs it matter, the place of our birth or France rt Britain, \merica, Belgiu Comrades in honor, truc children of ¢ ts ad shoulder our Shoulder t t our brothers ha Proud of the deeds “Lof the triumphs that others Onward we go. Sure of our blow Whether we stand or we fall, Warring that peril of wariare shall cease, Fighting for liberty, justice and peace, Not for our own Birthright alone. Not for a Few, but for AM! Nothing it matters what kindred we claim, Slav or Italian, of East or of West Kindred in spirit and single in aim, God for His sacrifice chooses our best Forward, still forward our conquering lines Drive where the glory of victory shines; Ridges of steel, Billows of zeal Over the parapet hurled, Fight for the Truth we were taught to revere, Battle for all that is holy and dear, Not for one race, Not for one place, Not for one land, but the World! Arthur Guiterman, 429 comicbooks.com