Puck — May 1877 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page satirizes European reactions to Otto von Bismarck's 1890 resignation as German Chancellor. The left panel shows how different nations responded: - **Italy**: celebrates with raised arms - **Germany**: appears distressed, losing its strong leader - **France**: seemingly relieved at Germany's weakened position - **Russia**: depicted as a scheming figure The right panel ("The Feeling in Europe") shows personified nations expressing their anxieties: the Russian, Briton, Turk, Frenchman, and Austrian all voice concerns about the power vacuum and potential instability Bismarck's departure created. The bottom sketches mock various parties seeking advantage from the situation. The satire suggests Europe's balance of power was precariously dependent on one man's authority.