The Manchurian Fontenoy, 1933

This cartoon is originally from the French press and here translated for the American newspapers. Visually the message is clear that Japan’s threatening attitude to China – both over the recent annexation of Manchuria and the war in Shanghai – is not evenly balanced. However, nowadadays the Fontenoy reference may be a little obscure to most of us. The Battle of Fontenoy, (May 11, 1745) was a confrontation that led to the French conquest of Flanders during the War of the Austrian Succession…

Wikipedia explains the point of the Fontenoy reference: “Just before reaching the French position, the Allied column halted to check formation; having done so, the British Guards in the front rank allegedly invited the Gardes Françaises to fire first. The opening volley was so important commanders often preferred their opponents to fire first, particularly if they considered their troops better disciplined. Thus goaded, the French fired prematurely, greatly reducing the impact of their first volley, while that of the British killed or wounded 700 to 800 men. The French front line broke up in confusion; many of their reserves had been transferred to meet the Dutch attack on Fontenoy, and the Allies now advanced into this gap.”