Disguising a German Shop - Start of WWI
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Disguising a German Shop - Start of WWI
Postcard sent within six weeks of the start of WWI, depicting a German Shopkeeper in Britain hastily changing the livery of his store to something perfectly British! The pseudo-germanic English signs and the shopkeeprs appearance revel his true identity. A superb comment on the Germanophobia which swept Britain at the start of WWI. Date: 1914
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Media ID 7244431
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10579105
Alter Anti Business Disguise Disguises Disguising Goods Jack Replace Replaces Replacing Sentiment Sentiments Store Usual Alteration Altering Alters
EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing postcard, sent within six weeks of the outbreak of World War I in 1914, captures a poignant moment in British history as a German shopkeeper in Britain hurriedly disguises his business to blend in with his new surroundings. The shop, adorned with pseudo-Germanic signs and the shopkeeper's distinctly German appearance, reveal his true identity. In the wake of growing Germanophobia, fueled by the escalating conflict, the shopkeeper felt compelled to alter the exterior of his establishment to avoid suspicion and potential backlash from the local community. The signs, which read "Union Jack Goods," "Usual Alterations," and "Replaces German Goods," reflect the sentiment of the time as the British public began to replace German-made goods with British alternatives. The Union Jack flag, a symbol of British national pride, is prominently displayed, further emphasizing the need to distance oneself from anything perceived as German. This image serves as a powerful commentary on the anti-German sentiment that swept through Britain at the start of the war. The shopkeeper's disguise, from the altered signs to his own appearance, highlights the fear and mistrust that gripped the nation as the conflict unfolded. The need to replace German goods and adopt a distinctly British identity was a reflection of the deep-rooted feelings of nationalism and patriotism that defined the period. Overall, this postcard offers a unique glimpse into the social and political climate of Britain during the early days of World War I, providing valuable insights into the ways in which the conflict shaped the nation's identity and collective consciousness.
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