Life — October 31, 1918 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "American Cheese" - Life Magazine, October 31, 1918 This cartoon depicts a rat perched atop mousetraps, with a tiny figure (appearing to be a soldier or military man) sitting on the rat's back. The rat wears a hat and collar, suggesting anthropomorphization of a political figure or enemy nation. The title "American Cheese" identifies the bait—a reference to American prosperity or resources. Published during WWI's final weeks (November 1918 armistice was imminent), this likely satirizes either German war strategy, American industrial output as a lure, or perhaps profiteering. The rat trapped by its own greed for American resources suggests commentary on enemy miscalculation or American advantage. Without additional context, the specific political target remains unclear, though the WWI timing is definitive.