ONLINE: Austria-Hungary in Cartoonists' Crosshairs

The presentation will be live and online.

The First World War was fought not only on the battlefield, but in artists' studios, newspapers, cinemas, and on billboards as well.

Propaganda played an unprecedented role in the war efforts of all belligerents, but it was perhaps the United States that proved to be most prodigious, harnessing its massive media and advertising industry to support the fight against the Central Powers. Austria-Hungary was not considered the main enemy, but American cartoonists nonetheless regularly lampooned the Dual Monarchy in the papers.

In this presentation, public historian Jesse Alexander will talk us through the comical and grotesque portrayals of the Habsburg state in US papers which reveals a great deal about how propaganda works, how it reflects broader wartime policies towards Austria-Hungary, and how, once begun, it can take on a life of its own.

Members wishing to participate will need to register, details of how to register will be circulated via The Western Front Association's newsletter 'Trench Lines'. If you are not a subscriber to Trench Lines please subscribe now via the box at the bottom of this page.

It is also possible to register by clicking this link: Austria-Hungary in Cartoonists' Crosshairs

The talk will be undertaken using the 'Zoom' software which is freely available. It may not be necessary to load the software to your PC / iPad etc: but we would recommend doing so if you wish to participate in this event.