Life — August 15, 1918 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: "Life" Magazine **The Main Cartoon** (top): Shows a large figure labeled "MILITARISM" sitting on a wall while various figures below—appearing to represent civilians, including children—hold signs reading "STOP PRUSSIAN-ISM" and other protest messages. The caption reads: "YES, HUMPTY DUMPTY SAT ON THE WALL UNTIL THE PEOPLE BEHIND GOT TOO BUSY." **Meaning**: This is anti-German propaganda from WWI era. The cartoon equates German militarism with Humpty Dumpty—an unstable, vulnerable force that will eventually fall when common people focus on resistance. The reference to "Prussian-ism" targets Prussian military culture as the root cause of the war. **Context**: Life magazine used satire to support American entry into WWI against Germany.