Life — May 16, 1918 — page 1: what you’re looking at

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# "The Winning Hand" - Life Magazine, May 16, 1916 This illustration depicts a woman dressed in patriotic American imagery (stars and stripes) holding playing cards featuring military officers. The title "The Winning Hand" suggests a political metaphor. Given the 1916 date, this likely references the U.S. presidential election or debates about military preparedness during World War I. The woman appears to represent America or the American electorate, strategically "playing" military/political figures to achieve her desired outcome—suggesting women's political influence, whether through voting rights activism or their role in shaping national policy. The card motif implies calculated choice and advantage, positioning feminine political agency as decisive in national affairs.