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France Announces Annex
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France Announces Annex
CARTOON: France announces annexation
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Media ID 4356300
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10081681
1893 Annex Annexation Announces Elephant Siam Thailand
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this intriguing and humorous political cartoon from 1893, titled "France Announces Annexation," we witness a grand and pompous King of France standing atop an ornate palace balcony, declaring to the world below his country's latest territorial acquisition. The object of France's desire? None other than the elephantine Siam, represented as a large, regal pachyderm adorned with the Thai national flag. The scene is set against a backdrop of historical significance, as European powers were actively expanding their colonial empires through strategic annexations and diplomatic maneuvers. In this instance, France, personified by a monarch draped in the tricolor flag, is shown extending his scepter towards Siam, symbolizing his claim to the land. The cartoonist's use of an elephant to represent Siam is a clever nod to the country's former name, which translates to "Land of the Free," but is also the Thai word for elephant. This playful juxtaposition highlights the irony of the situation, as Siam, a once-independent nation, is being forcibly incorporated into the French empire. The cartoon's whimsical style adds an element of levity to the serious subject matter, making it a fascinating glimpse into the political climate of the late 19th century. The intricate details of the palace, the regal attire of the French king, and the majestic presence of the elephant all contribute to the visual richness of the image, making it a captivating piece of historical art. This cartoon serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious relationships between European powers and their colonial subjects during this era, and the ways in which political satire was used to comment on and critique the events of the day.
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