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Cartoon, The Goose Step, Berlin, 1 January 1914
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Cartoon, The Goose Step, Berlin, 1 January 1914
Cartoon, The Goose Step, Berlin, 1 January 1914, pre-WW1 cartoon by Harry Furniss.
1914
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Media ID 23268242
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Aggression Aggressive Berlin Enemy Furniss Goose Harry Kaiser Marching Prewar Step Stepping Warlike January
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This cartoon, titled "The Goose Step, Berlin, 1 January 1914," is a poignant and prescient pre-World War I illustration by renowned British artist Harry Furniss. Depicting a goose in a military uniform, complete with a menacing expression and a rigidly stiffened gait, this cartoon serves as a stark warning of the impending aggression and hostility that would soon engulf Europe. The image, published in January 1914, was created at a time when tensions between major European powers were escalating, and the threat of war loomed large. The goose, with its exaggerated, goose-stepping gait, is a clever metaphor for the aggressive and warlike stance Germany was beginning to adopt under the leadership of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Furniss masterfully employs the use of symbolism to convey the ominous atmosphere of the time. The goose, an animal known for its peaceful and harmless nature, is transformed into a menacing and aggressive figure, highlighting the stark contrast between appearances and reality. The cartoon's title, "The Goose Step," is a reference to the distinctive marching style adopted by the German military during parades and military drills, which would later become synonymous with the Nazi regime. As we reflect on this powerful and thought-provoking cartoon, we are reminded of the importance of staying vigilant to the signs of potential conflict and the dangers of aggressive behavior, both on an individual and national level. This and evocative image is a testament to the power of art to capture the zeitgeist of its time and serve as a warning for the future.
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