WW1 Section C Source Analysis

Question 1

Source analysis option 1.

Answer 1

This poster gives men who had stayed at home a sense of guilt as it looks as if they have ‘betrayed’ Australia, as they are having a fun time at the beach whilst the ‘strong’ men are out serving. Big, bold writing quoting ‘GO AND HELP’ in red, gives the poster a sense of urgency. Another approach that the cartoonist took was the picture at the top of the man enjoying himself at the beach with black and dark writing beneath him trying to make him look like a ‘traitor’ for not going to war and ‘not fitting in with the norms’. This poster shows that Australia had a strong advertisement progression for men to join up for war. It tried to make a sense of guilt and weakness for men who weren’t ‘manly’ enough to join war.

Question 2

Source Analysis option 3
1. Identify the country which is represented by the child in the source.

Answer 2

Germany, who was forced to sign the peace agreements, is represented by the crying child. The illustrator tells the audience that what Germany had has been taken away from them by depicting him naked. The innocence of the boy crying inspires sympathy for Germany. Furthermore, this demonstrates Germany’s powerlessness at the time of the treaty’s signing.

Question 3

Source Analysis option 3
2. How has the artist represented the attitudes of the ‘Big Four’ in the source?

Answer 3

The big four seen in this cartoon may represent the countries involved in the treaty of versailles. The countries include Britain, France, Italy and the US. The writing of “Curious! I seem to hear a child weeping!”, may have been said by the man holding the walking stick while looking over his shoulder down at the child who represents Germany. It seems like all the men look down at the child with pity and a sense of carelessness for the weeping child.

Question 4

Source Analysis option 3
The title of the source, ‘Peace and Future Cannon Fodder’ contains a contradiction of themes. Using the title and elements of the source, explain how the Treaty of Versailles created an unstable environment.

Answer 4

The title, ‘Peace and Future Cannon Fodder’ depicts that the treaty of versailles just set up a future generation of ‘cannon fodder’. Furthermore, it portrays that there will be peace for now but there will be war in the future. The illustrator suggests that he doesn’t agree with the terms of the treaty of versailles and that it will build resentment in the German’s and eventually will lead to another war.