From the lofty standpoint of imperial government 

• 1917 
• Cesare, Oscar 
• Drawing 
• Historical item 

5174887

Drawings / paintings

From the lofty standpoint of imperial government

53 x 36 cm

1917

Original brush and ink editorial cartoon drawing on art card, 1917, published in the New York Evening Post, shows Kaiser Wilhelm pointing to a document stating "Unrestricted naval warfare" while brandishing a submarine in his hand. This refers to the German decision at the beginning of 1917 to unleash unrestricted submarine warfare on the allies in a final attempt to bring the British to their knees. This decision would be the main reason for the US joining the war against Germany in April 1917. Standing behind the kaiser is the shadow of Admiral von Tirpitz who, as head of the German navy, had been the architect of U-boat development before the war and was a strong advocate of unrestricted submarine warfare. He had been replaced the previous year because of disagreements with the Kaiser on unrestricted submarine warfare (the Kaiser would not allow it in 1916) and ironically now sees this policy being implemented. Card size 53 x 36 cm (20.5 x 14.5 inch), image size 39 x 31 cm, signed bottom right. Various printing instructions in bottom margin, date stamped January 30, 1917 on verso. In overall good condition.