Serio-Comic War Map, 1877

Introduction

A ground-breaking satirical map of Europe.

This cartoon-map gives a satirical take on the events of 1877 - a volatile year in Europe. Political caricatures, shaped around the individual nations, bring this story to life.

The illustration uses an outline of Europe as the framework for presenting its political comment. It assumes that its readers will recognise this shape and identify the countries within.

Fred W. Rose is synonymous with this type of political cartoon map. Its style, however, is part of a long tradition of anthropomorphic maps (drawn to resemble generic national types) and zoomorphic maps (drawn to resemble real or mythical animals).

Letting pictures tell a story has proven to be a very powerful weapon. Twenty five years after the Octopus Map was first published, it was used again by Japanese propagandists to win European support against Russia during the Russo-Japanese war.

The Serio-Comic War Map, 1877 is part of The British Library collection

• Related Internet Links

  • The Russo-Turkish War
  • Article on Cartoon Maps

Map Highlights

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  The Octopus

  Russia seen as a potential agressor

  Russia is depicted as a giant octopus that suggests threat and control. Its tentacles stretch out across Europe, each signalling a different political event or desire.

  At the time of publication, Russia had been seeking to gain permanent access to the Mediterranean ports and the Middle East. It had been stirring up long-held tensions between surrounding nations and raised concerns that Russia would soon be the dominant force in Europe. All of this is reflected in the octopus.

  Three of its limbs are actively attacking neighbouring countries, while a fourth is cut and scarred. This bloody wound is a visual metaphor for the damage Russia received during the Crimean War, where nearly one million of its troops died.

  The two eyes of the octopus are geographically placed as cities of Moscow and St Petersburg, joint capitals of the Russian Empire and a feature labelled in later revisions of this map.

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  Ottoman Empire

  Turkey is ready to fight again, but is not without its sins

  Turkey wears national dress, and aims a small pistol at the Octopus grasping his left arm. The Ottoman Empire is certainly ready for battle.

  The golden buckle on the figure’s belt is symbolic of its capital city Constantinople, now modern day Istanbul. On his shoulder is a skull – a reminder of Bulgaria’s massacre by the Turks. Rose does not want us to think that the nation is not without its sins.

  At the bottom of the image, Greece can be seen as a golden crab nipping at the Turk’s sleeve.

  To the east, in green, Persia is seen in a stranglehold looking to the Ottoman Empire for help.

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  Political Tensions

  Austria holds back Hungary, while France seeks revenge

  Mainland Europe is a complex mix of attitudes towards Russia, each expertly depicted by Rose.

  In yellow, Hungary is being held back by Austria. The pair had become a dual monarchy in 1868, and the distinct political attitudes of the conjoined nations are apparent here. Like Russia, Hungary was keen to gain control of Balkan states and expand its territory. Austria does not want Hungary to get involved, however.

  Germany is shown in green, and is drawn as its recently elevated Emperor Wilhelm I. His face is turned away from the conflict, with one arm raised against Russia’s advances. He is surrounded by a stockpile of ammunition, should events escalate.

  To the left of Germany is France, drawn as the military general and politician Patrice de MacMahon. He points his cannon at Germany ready to avenge his defeat in the Franco-Prussian war, should the opportunity arise.

  • Related BBC Links

    • Otto Von Bismarck

  • Related Internet Links

    • Wilhelm I
    • About Austria-Hungary
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  Youthful Nations

  These countries are wrapped up in themselves

  Spain is painted as the newly restored King Alfonso XII. He has his back to the crisis, ignorant and impartial, not wanting to upset his country’s new-found stability.

  Italy had recently become a unified state, and Rose chose to express this as a young girl – a reference to youth and vitality. She taunts a puppet in the position of Rome. This is intended to be the Pope, whose office had lost much of its power.

  Corsica and Sardinia are also shown as religious emblems. These symbolise the importance of religion in these countries and their attempts to evade the control of the Vatican.

  • Related Internet Links

    • Alfonso XII
    • The Italian Unification
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  A View From Home

  The British Isles fear territorial losses

  The British Isles are shown as anxious observers from afar. They have territorial interests at stake.

  England is drawn as a banker clutching his umbrella. “Resolutions”, “India” and “Suez” are pinned to his coat tails, reinforcing his concerns at the time.

  Scotland holds a dagger and claymore, representing his fierce patriotism, while Ireland is drawn as a monk with “home rule” on the brain. This articulates the nation’s desire for self-government, in acknowledgement of the Irish Home Rule Movement.

  • Related BBC Links

    • The Irish Home Rule Movement
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  Helping Hand

  A handy breakdown of the map from Fred W.Rose

  For those readers who needed a helping hand to understand the subliminal clues on the map, Rose included an informative text panel.