Australian
Screen

Teacher’s notes

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This black-and-white clip shows an animated cartoon of Billy Hughes, the Australian prime minister, ending Australia’s trade relationship with Germany and Austria during the First World War. A gloved hand adds details to a cut out of Hughes’s head and shoulders in profile and the hat on his head. The words ‘WHAT BILLY HUGHES HAS UNDER HIS HAT.’ appear before his hat flips off and a scowling figure representing German trade emerges, followed by a miniature Hughes. The miniature Hughes knocks German trade out of the picture.

Educational value points

• This clip provides a historical perspective on Australia’s role in the First World War (1914–18) through a political cartoon. In May 1916 Hughes visited England where he gave a series of well-publicised speeches urging greater economic pressure on Germany. At a conference in Paris in July his arguments in favour of drastic restrictions being imposed on German trade after the War gained him notoriety. These events may have inspired the cartoon.

• The way in which war affects trade relations by turning trading partners into enemies is highlighted by the clip. In 1914 Germany was one of Australia’s most important trading partners, second in importance after Britain in both imports and exports. During the War the Australian Government passed three ‘Trading with the Enemy’ acts ending this trade relationship, cancelling existing commercial contracts with firms in enemy countries.

• The use of caricature as a tool of political satire is clearly demonstrated in the clip, taking as its subject William (Billy) Hughes (1862–1952), Australia’s wartime prime minister. The artist has exaggerated his physical appearance, including his slight build, moustache and large nose, as well as aspects of his personality, his pugnacity and energy. German trade is depicted as an obese bully made ridiculous by his tiny hat.

• The effectiveness of cut-out animation is shown well in this clip. By reducing the elements of the cartoon its message is conveyed economically and directly. Only the mouths, arms and eyes move on the three cut-out figures. White figures on a black background are intended to focus the audience’s attention. The captions frame and comment on the action.

• This cartoon is representative of the style of Australian artist and cartoonist Harry Julius (1885–1938). It shows the hand of the artist sketching in the details of the profile image of Billy Hughes. It uses simple cut-out animation to provide its comic effect and satirical commentary. The use of captions informs and adds an ironic perspective. Julius produced animated political cartoons for Australasian Gazette newsreels from around 1914 to 1918.

• One of Australia’s most notable prime ministers, Billy Hughes is depicted in this cartoon. His forceful personality and style of leadership dominated Australian politics in the years of the First World War. His skill as an orator had contributed to his success as a trade union leader and Queens Counsel before he entered politics. He served as prime minister from 1915 to 1923. He led two unsuccessful referendums on conscription in 1916 and 1917.