Below are some examples of newspaper cartoons from French newspapers from 100 years ago. The end of one year and the beginning of another was always a great time for newspaper cartoonists to highlight significant events that happened in the previous year or what could be expected from the new year.
They cover themes including politics and cost of living, with a dash of humour thrown in. All of the cartoons come from Gallica, the digital library of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France.
In this cartoon, a policeman advises the French Prime Minister, Aristide Briand: 'before crossing, look to your left'. Briand is shown crossing one footpath marked '1921' to another marked '1922'.
The 'left' mentioned by the policeman can be seen in the various modes of transport (cars, motorbikes, etc.) that are approaching Briand from his left - marked 'radical left', 'democratic left', 'liberal left'. He was out of office two weeks after this cartoon appeared. He was Prime Minister from 16 January 1921 to 15 January 1922. All together, he served 11 terms as Prime Minister.
31 December 1921, Le Petit Parisien source
'You haven't even had the good grace to wish me a happy new year', the woman says to the man.
He replies: 'why would you want me to lie on the first day of the new year?'
'What are you going to bring us, new year', a man asks the new year in the form of a young child. 'Cheaper cost of living? Gold Marks? Accommodation?', he suggests.
'Hope', comes the reply from the new year.
'Mam, when will we eat nice things like that', a child asks pointing to food on display in a shop window.
'Next year', his mother replies.
Cartoon shows what cartoonist would like to see the new year bring for the various sectors listed below.
In Paris - the ability to move quickly and without danger
For farmers - more rain
Better conditions for the government, army, industry and sportsmen and for all 'good health, peace...and a cheaper cost of living'.
1 January 1922, Le Journal source
'Nos Étrennes' [Our New Year Gift] - the caption reads.
The female figure symbolising 1922 with a scarf marked 1922 holds a long scroll of paper. She says: 'what's the point of cheating', 'I will start with the list of things that I will not bring'.
1 January 1922, Le Radical source
The caption reads: '1st of January in Cannes' and refers to the conference that was taking place in the French seaside resort between the Allies about reparations and security, among other things.
British Prime Minister, David Lloyd George, says to Marianne (female personification of France): 'Please allow me, on this occasion [to kiss you]'. Marianne replies: 'with pleasure, if it's sincere'.
