Mr. Punch versus the Kaiser, 1892-1898: Flashpoints of a Complex Relationship

Abstract

Wilhelm II (1859-1941), the last King of Prussia and German Kaiser (1888-1918), was among the most well-known heads-of-state of the late 19th and early 20th Century. He was also arguably the most ubiquitous cartoon character of his day. With his instantly-recognizable features, "Kaiser Bill" was seemingly made for the cartoonist (Scully, 2009:04.1); and practitioners of the art across the world delighted in reproducing "his strutting poses, waxed moustache and theatrical uniforms," and poured "scorn on his character deficiencies and overweening ambition" (Reinermann, 2008:469). The cartoon Wilhelm has been the focus of a number of studies over the years (Scully, 2009; Rebentisch, 2000; Coupe, 1980; Wendel, 1922), and among his various incarnations in various publications over his 30-year reign, those of 'Punch' stand out in particular. Wilhelm II appeared in over 160 cartoons in 'The London Charivari' (as 'Punch' was subtitled) before 1914, and almost twice that many again during World War I (Scully, 2009:04.1). It was in 'Punch' that the most famous of all cartoons - "Dropping the Pilot" (Fig. 1) - appeared in 1890 (March 29:50-51), and alone of all British satirical periodicals, it was 'Punch' that was able to chronicle the entire reign of Wilhelm II (its chief competitors 'Fun' and 'Judy' folding in the early 20th Century).