This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine

Krokodil

on 30 July 1945.

What is the message of this cartoon?

To do this question, you need first to borrow two concepts from English:

Denotation

(what you see)

Connotation

(how it affects its audience)

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine

Krokodil

on 30 July 1945.

Denotation

Three huge official cars, flying the flags of the USA, USSR and UK, outside an important building.

Connotation

These are the cars of important representatives of the USA, USSR and UK – Truman, Stalin & Atlee.

Meaning

This is a scene outside the Potsdam conference, and these are the drivers of the ‘Big Three’ leaders at the conference.

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine

Krokodil

on 30 July 1945.

Denotation

The three drivers share a smoke and a laugh – they are friendly and united.

Connotation

To show ‘working men’ rather than the leaders is a very comradely thing to do!

Meaning

The ‘workers of the world’ are united and happy to be working together at the conference.

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine

Krokodil

on 30 July 1945.

Denotation

The three drivers are from the USA, the USSR and the UK.

Connotation

Drivers steer the car – so these men represent the leaders inside who are steering the peace.

Meaning

These men represent the unity, goodwill and common cause of the ‘Big Three’ leaders at the Potsdam Conference.

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine

Krokodil

on 30 July 1945.

Denotation

The Soviet car is in the middle, and its driver is at the front.

Connotation

‘Central’ = important/ vital.

‘At the front’ = the leader/ more up to date/ more important.

Meaning

The USSR is the most important state at the Conference, leading its decisions, setting the example.

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine

Krokodil

on 30 July 1945.

Finally, always remember to look at:

Origin

(who drew it)

Date

(when it was published)

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine

Krokodil

on 30 July 1945.

Origin

The Soviet magazine

Krokodil

.

Details

The magazine would have been completely under the control of the Soviet state.

Significance

This is an official, government statement about the conference. It is a piece of propaganda.

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine

Krokodil

on 30 July 1945.

In reality, the Potsdam Conference was ill-tempered and affair, and Truman and Atlee clashed with Stalin.

Date

30 July 1945.

Details

Just 3 days before the conference ended – i.e. the cartoon bears no relation to reality.

Significance

For some reason, the Soviets are choosing to present the Big Three as friendly and united – why they should do so is a question of interest to historians.

This cartoon was published in the Soviet magazine

Krokodil

on 30 July 1945.