De Fashoda-quaestie Possibly 1898

This anonymous lithograph from a Dutch newspaper supplement on November 12, 1898, is titled "The Fashoda Question." It encapsulates the tension between France and Britain during the Scramble for Africa. The cartoon depicts a tug-of-war where a woman representing France is pulled off her feet by a man representing Britain. The rope bears the word "Fashoda," referring to the 1898 standoff in Sudan where French and British forces confronted each other, resulting in a diplomatic victory for Britain. The image uses visual codes to portray the political climate. The figures' clothing signifies their respective national identities. The man looks smug while the woman falls, indicating a clear power dynamic. Published in the Netherlands, the cartoon reflects the broader European interest in the colonial endeavors of Britain and France. Understanding the Dutch perspective, alongside British and French sources, provides a fuller view of the event's impact on the global balance of power. This artwork underscores the role of political cartoons in shaping public opinion and documenting historical events.