Life — January 10, 1918 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page This page satirizes WWI-era economic issues. The top cartoon critiques coal pricing: a figure labeled "wholesaler" and "retailer" stands over consumers, illustrating how middlemen profit while miners work for inadequate wages. The caption "I wonder why they call me the 'consumer'" suggests consumers bear the cost burden. The lower left cartoon shows "John Bull" (Britain, represented by the Union Jack chair) hoping U-boats will "let that get over"—referencing German submarine warfare threatening British supply lines. The right section features a dialogue where a teacher explains Germany is governed by a "Kaiser" (German emperor), defining it as "a stream of hot water springin' up in the air and disturbin' the earth"—mocking both Kaiser Wilhelm II and the war's destabilizing effects. A child responds hopefully that the war will soon end.