Clemenceau the Vampire

This source is of great value to a historian studying the Treaty of Versailles, as it gives an insight into how everyday Germans felt about the treaty’s implementation. In particular, Germany’s attitude towards the allies is clearly shown, as President Clemenceau is portrayed in the foreground as a vampire, leeching off an already-defeated Germany. Furthermore, the United Kingdom and United States are also visible in the background, portrayed as bats, looking on, without lending Germany a hand. While this may not be entirely accurate - both the UK and US did, after all, argue against the French being given so much German territory - it gives historians an insight into how oppressed Germans felt at that time.

The source is also of use to a historian wanting to gain an understanding of the other side of things - the state of Germany, from the perspective of its people. This is a particularly poignant aspect of the source, which portrays Germany as a dying woman, too weak or feeble to raise her shield or sword, so as to defend against the actions of France. Additionally, the use of white in the cartoon - the woman's nightdress and bedsheets - suggests the innocence, even purity, of Germany. It is clear Germans at this time do not feel responsible for the war they must now pay for.

However, it is important to remember that Kladderadatsch - the source of the cartoon - is a conservative newspaper, and is biased accordingly. For a fair representation, a historian should also consult left-leaning publications, for a broader understanding. The tone of the source is of course an enraged one; written by a conservative cartoonist, in a recently-defeated Germany, which has just been imposed with a vindictive treaty, this is hardly surprising. However, it could well limit the source’s usefulness to a historian. Specifically, the publication date - July 1919 - marks the immediate aftermath of both the war itself, and the implementation of the peace treaty. On the one hand, the publication’s proximity to these events helps lend it credibility, ensuring there is no opportunity for ‘rose-tinting’ of public sentiment.

That said, it also increases the risk of exaggeration - in the heat of the moment, the publication may well have embellished the desperation of Germany, as well as the harshness of the Versailles treaty. Of course, cartoons are chiefly written for entertainment purposes, and are hardly known for being accurate portrayals of fact at the best of times. Additionally, having taken time to adjust to Germany’s defeat, and the terms of the treaty, the mood of the German public may well have changed since that fateful summer. For this reason, a historian would do well to consult sources published at a later date also, so as to ascertain any change in public mood.

In conclusion, this source can be useful to a historian studying the impact of the Treaty of Versailles, provided it is used as part of a collection of sources, so as to provide wider context, with the benefit of timescale and varied authorship.