The Wasp — 1881 — page 285: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts the American Civil War through allegorical imagery. A winged **Peace figure** (center, labeled "PEACE") attempts to intervene while **soldiers on both sides** (left panel 1 and 2) continue fighting with weapons and explosives. The figure appears to be restraining or preventing peace efforts. The bottom circular inset (panel 3) shows a figure hanged, suggesting **execution or capital punishment**—likely referencing war crimes, military justice, or political executions during the conflict. The title "NO PEACE UNTIL THEN" indicates that peace negotiations were being rejected or delayed, with conditions (possibly severe ones like the execution depicted) needing to be met first. This reflects the **hardening positions during the Civil War**, when compromise became impossible and total victory seemed necessary before peace could come.