Humor at the enemy's expense has always bolstered a soldier's morale. And that a soldier's fears seem always to lighten with laughter is affirmed by the sheer quantity -- and variety -- of postcards which ridicule and caricature the enemy.
The map of Europe on Card 104 is filled with national stereotypes and caricature. In the spirit of "united we stand," the Nibelungen powers are represented surrounded, "encircled," by enemies east and west. Russia's nose presses against the backside of "Michel," whose cap reads "Wake up, Michel!" Russia's alleged intention to save Germany work by destroying its own harbors is inscribed poignantly above Moscow. Anti-Bolshevist sentiment appears near the Black Sea: "Revolution in the Caucasus!" in the west, a "wretched" England watches from across the channel, as France's "Marianne" laments, "Where are my victories?" Her cap, Belgium, is inscribed with the words "Albert, where are you?" "We remain neutral!" say the Italians. And Serbia, where the shots were first fired: "a pig-pen!"