Life — January 31, 1918 — page 15: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page presents nine caricatured historical and contemporary figures labeled as "Famous Prussians." The drawings satirize Prussian militarism and authority by depicting: **Historical figures**: Julius Caesar, Napoleon, and St. Paul are included—famous non-Prussians—seemingly to mock Prussian claims to greatness by association. **Historical/philosophical figures**: Confucius, Shakespeare, and Michelangelo represent cultural achievements, again non-Prussian. **Contemporary figures**: Washington and Voltaire appear, likely representing Enlightenment values the cartoon suggests Prussia rejects. The final figure labeled "T.R." (Theodore Roosevelt) suggests contemporary political commentary, possibly critiquing American or international political alignment with Prussian militarism during the early 20th century. The satire's core message appears to be that Prussia inappropriately claims credit for achievements of other cultures while embodying militaristic values.