Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Peace Treaties5
Peace Treaties5
Denotation
(what you see)
Connotation
(how it affects its audience)
Connotation
Used to kill a criminal.
Meaning
The guillotine represents ‘the
Treaty of Versailles’ which will
destroy – kill – Germany.
Connotation
They are conducting the
execution.
Meaning
The ‘Big Three’ are to blame –
they are the ones who are
destroying – killing – Germany.
Connotation
He seems reasonable/
explaining, but he is still part of
the execution squad.
Meaning
Wilson promised his 14 Points,
but he has betrayed Germany –
he is still part of the plot to
destroy Germany.
Connotation
Clemenceau was the actual
‘executioner’.
Meaning
Clemenceau was the source of
the hatred of Germany – now he
is getting his wish to destroy
Germany.
Connotation
The rolled paper is the Treaty
itself.
Meaning
The treaty is not an attempt at a
settlement – it is simply a way
(the apparently-legal excuse) to
destroy Germany.
Lloyd George is also responsible.
Connotation
This may represent the terms of
the Armistice, by which Germany
disbanded the army and navy.
Meaning
Germany is powerless to resist –
Germany is at the mercy of its
enemies.
Connotation
This represents weakness,
helplessness and humiliation.
Meaning
The Big Three have humiliated
the German government and got
their way to destroy Germany.
It is all terribly unfair.
Origin
(who drew it)
Date
(when it was published)
Details
A German satirical/political
magazine.
Significance
This cartoon shows the bitter,
Germans’ view of the Treaty.
Details
After the Treaty was presented
to the Germans, but before they
agreed to sign it.
Significance
This was part of the German
outcry BEFORE they signed the
Treaty – it is part of the German
public’s attempt to persuade the
government NOT to sign.