Evaluation of Sources

     Published in September 2011, World War II: Global Chaos, gives readers a new insight on the war as it analyzes crucial events that took place surrounding the war. It looks into events leading up to the war, such as Hitler's rise to power, as well as provides information regarding the general population and the effect the war had on them and their respective nations. This literature, which is in a series of other World War 2 books, analyzes personal accounts of the war, includes graphics from the war as well as introduces the events that took place in chronological order. The authors of this book have effectively described in depth information surrounding the war, all while making it simple to understand. There is much value, as it analyzes personal accounts of civilians during the time, which is crucial for understanding the viewpoints of citizens towards the Nazi regime.  This piece may be limited since it was not directly from the time period. Also, it is bias since the viewpoint of Nazis and those in power is not included. 
     The British Cartoon Archive published the biography, David Low, in 1990. It holds information about various well known cartoonists, from various time periods. The archive was established in 1973 to promote research, and holds over 140,000 pieces of cartoon artwork today. It gives an overview of Low and his accomplishments during his lifetime. It also includes reactions to his work during his time period. He had very direct criticism towards many politicians, which made him a very controversial cartoonist. It has much value as it analyzes his journey through life and how it effected his work as a cartoonist during World War 2. This source is limited, as it only draws much information from his autobiographies, as opposed to various outside critics. 

Summary of Evidence

The years surrounding World War 2 were devastating for many civilians, as the new power in Germany was not being utilized to the correct manner. When Hitler first came into power, “…the Nazi regime helped lower unemployment, boost economic recovery, and bring social and political order. Opposition to the state was minimal.” Overtime though, the flaws in the Nazi regime became evident, and brave civilians and groups who did attempt to stand up to the harsh ruling powers were “rooted out and destroyed” (Cavendish 53). Those households that had issues surrounding Nazism, kept quiet, as they knew that standing up to Hitler and his followers would lead to death. So they suppressed their feelings towards the unjust government in fear of losing their lives. Heinrich Himmler, who joined the Nazi party in 1925, was the “individual responsible for overseeing the control over the German people” (Cavendish 54). He grew the concentration camp systems, and was the SS chief, in control of not only the police, but also the security systems (Cavendish 55).  Hitler’s main issue he wanted to address and take action towards was the racial struggles present within his own nation and the world.  “Using strategies ranging from the cult of personality to systematic genocide, Hitler brought civilians in Germany and wartime occupied Germany to their knees before the all-powerful Nazi state” (Cavendish 53).  Germans were forced to change their lifestyles, against their will, in order to fit under the new state. “Children were required to join youth organizations, such as the Hitler youth or the League of German Maidens. Adults were encouraged to join the Nazi party or to become part of groups such as the SA. Independent thought and displays of unusual behavior were discouraged” (Cavendish 59). Any action taken that did not fall under German regulations was potential danger for citizens committing the “crime.” On the other end of the spectrum, some believed that “although the regime limited people’s freedom, most considered this an acceptable price to pay for order” (Cavendish 61).

During this time, the cartoonist David Low, was a “fierce opponent of Hitlerand Mussolini, and of the policy of Appeasement” (British Cartoon Archive). Low drew extremely straightforward images to depict his opinions, which caused great controversy. “In 1922 and 1923 some of Low's drawings were used on Liberal Party election posters. In 1924 Lord Beaverbrook invited Low to join his Conservative Evening Standard, but he refused. Beaverbrook repeated the offer in 1927, and this time Low accepted, becoming the paper's first-ever political cartoonist, drawing four cartoons a week” (British Cartoon Archive). This jumpstarted Low’s career as a cartoonist, and therefore his cartoons were well known during the time. The public had access to his work and strong opinions, as he was published in the Evening Standard. Colonel Blimp was one of his works, which caused great confusion, in regards to the war. It was also published in the Evening Standard in April 1934. “He helped to create the reputations of those he cartooned” (British Cartoon Archive). “Low was perhaps the most influential political cartoonist and caricaturist of the twentieth century - he produced over 14,000 drawings in a career spanning fifty years and was syndicated worldwide to more than 200 newspapers and magazines” (British Cartoon Archive).

Plan of Investigation

This investigation evaluates the degree to which David Low's cartoons accurately reflected public opinion in Britain in the years surrounding World War II. To assess the extent to which Low’s illustrations were an accurate depiction of the public’s views, the investigation focuses on the mindset of the citizens of Britain, Low’s interpretation of societal beliefs, and the reaction to his straightforward expressions. The opposing mindsets present in Britain are considered in the investigation, along with David Low’s background. Reactions to Low’s work before this time period is not assessed, and focuses particularly to the effects of his work, during and directly after World War II.

         The two sources selected to evaluate, Biography: David Low, published by the British Cartoon Archive, and assorted dairy entries, including The Wartime Years-Before I enlisted into the Army 1939-1943, by John Hamilton, are evaluated for their origins, purposes, values, and limitations.

IA Topic

To what extent did David Low's cartoons accurately reflect public opinion in Britain in the years before World War II?