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Front cover of The Bystander, 1915: US war profiteering
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Front cover of The Bystander, 1915: US war profiteering
A British comment on war profiteering by America, and the British right to search neutral merchant vessels for contraband during World War One. Date: 1915
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Media ID 14154888
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bull Bystander Cousin Finances Interests Jonathan Money Neutral Neutrality Personification Profiteer Profiteering Profiteers Trench
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Front Cover, 1915: A Satirical Comment on US War Profiteering and Britain's Right to Search Neutral Merchant Vessels during World War One This provocative and humorous cartoon from the Front Cover of The Bystander, published in 1915, offers a biting British commentary on the issue of American war profiteering during World War One. The cartoon, titled "Uncle Sam's Cousins," depicts a jovial and portly Uncle Sam, the personification of the United States, shaking hands with two well-dressed men in trench uniforms, labeled as "John Bull" and "Jonathan Cousin." John Bull, representing Britain, holds a searchlight and a rifle, while Jonathan Cousin, representing America, carries a sack labeled "Profits." The scene takes place in a dark trench, evoking the grim realities of the war, while the men exchange smiles and hearty handshakes. The caption reads, "The Neutral Right to Search Neutral Merchant Vessels." This reference to the controversial practice of searching neutral ships for contraband, a right granted to belligerent powers under international law, highlights the tension between British and American interests during the war. The cartoon's use of humor and personification adds a layer of complexity to the political commentary. The image of Uncle Sam, traditionally portrayed as a benevolent and protective figure, engaging in war profiteering alongside Britain, may have been intended to poke fun at American involvement in the war and the perceived hypocrisy of its neutral stance. The cartoon also underscores the financial motivations driving both sides, as the men exchange bags of money and profits, further emphasizing the economic implications of the conflict. Overall, this satirical image offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex web of political and economic relationships during World War One.
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