Description
In the early twentieth century, France was the second largest colonial empire in the world and had a history of exploiting its subjects for military purposes. During World War I, France sent nearly half a million men from its colonies to the European front. Most of these men came from northern and western Africa with fewer numbers from Indochina. Initially, African troops fought in independent units but as the war dragged on, they were assimilated into European regiments. The French frequently referred to their troupes indigenes (indigenous troops) as volunteers, but most were conscripted, and there were numerous uprisings in Africa opposing French recruitment policies. In spite of this, the French government often celebrated the bravery and sacrifices of its African troops and used their participation in the war effort as justification for their colonial empire. This poster was created for a nation-wide fund-raising event for charities supporting the LArmee DAfrique and the Troupes Coloniales. By depicting a black soldier leaping into a German trench with barely controlled rage, the artist was playing on widespread stereotypes of West Africans as barbaric savages. The soldier wears the uniform of the tirailleur sngalais (Senegalese infantrymen) who were reputed to be the most fearless and vicious of the colonial troops. French commanders often used them to lead an assault, and rumors abounded that the Senegalese stormed the trenches, chopping off the heads of German soldiers. Such rumors were useful to both French and German propagandists, with the Germans publicly condemning Frances illegal use of uncivilized troops on European soil.
Details
- Work Date:
- 1917
- Dimensions:
- 47¼ x 31⅜ inches
- Credit Line:
- Gift of Bartlett H. Hayes, 1985