Rhiannon Hendricks
When Will the Honeymoon End? is a satirical cartoon drawn by Clifford K. Berryman and published on October 9, 1939, in the Washington Star. The cartoon comments skeptically on the announcement of the Nazi-Soviet non-aggression pact, also known as the Hitler-Stalin pact, signed in August 1939. The cartoon's title refers to the short-lived nature of the agreement, suggesting that the honeymoon period between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union would eventually come to an end.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Wonder How Long the Honeymoon Will Last? |
| Creator | Clifford Kennedy Berryman |
| Date | October 9, 1939 |
| Type | Still image, cartoon, photograph |
| Genre | Humorous image |
| Subject | Nazi-Soviet Pact signed in August 1939; Politics and government (1917-1936, 1936-1953); Communism and art; Stalin, Joseph (1879-1953) |
| Publisher | Washington Star |
| Source | Library of Congress |
| Collection | Stalinka: Digital Library of Staliniana; Cartoon Drawings |
| Contributor | University of Pittsburgh |
| Rights Information | Copyright not evaluated; May be restricted |
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What You'll Learn
Nazi-Soviet Pact
The Nazi-Soviet Pact, officially the Treaty of Non-Aggression between Germany and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, was a ten-year non-aggression agreement signed by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union on August 23, 1939. The pact, also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Hitler-Stalin Pact, and German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact, was signed in Moscow by Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov and German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop, in the presence of Stalin.
The pact was a culmination of negotiations after tripartite discussions with the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France broke down. It committed both governments to not aiding or allying with an enemy of the other. The pact also included a secret protocol that established Soviet and German spheres of influence across Eastern Europe. Poland was to be shared, while Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Bessarabia went to the Soviet Union.
The pact was an agreement of convenience between two bitter enemies, allowing them to carve up spheres of influence in Eastern Europe. It paved the way for the invasion and occupation of Poland in September 1939, with Germany invading from the west and the Soviet Union from the east. The pact also allowed Germany to focus on its goals of subduing Poland and defeating France and Britain without the fear of a Soviet attack.
The Nazi-Soviet Pact shocked the world due to the seemingly conflicting ideologies of the two dictatorships. However, both Hitler and Stalin were playing to their political needs. Hitler needed to act quickly to invade Poland before the West could unite against him, and Stalin was motivated by his preference for the Nazis and the need to buy time to build up the Soviet military, which had been weakened by the purge of the Red Army officer corps in 1937.
The pact was short-lived, as Hitler had always intended it as a temporary manoeuvre. In June 1941, less than two years after signing the pact, Germany broke the agreement and invaded the Soviet Union, bringing the Soviet Union into World War II on the side of the Allied Powers.
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Non-aggression pact
The satirical cartoon "Wonder How Long the Honeymoon Will Last?" by Clifford K. Berryman, refers to the Nazi-Soviet Pact signed on 23 August 1939. The cartoon comments sceptically on the announcement of the non-aggression pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, alluding to the idea that such a partnership was unlikely to endure.
The phrase "honeymoon", in this context, refers to the period of harmony and goodwill that often follows the resolution of a conflict or disagreement. In the case of the Nazi-Soviet Pact, the "honeymoon" refers to the temporary period of peace and non-aggression between the two nations. The cartoon questions the longevity of this peace, suggesting that it will not last long.
The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact was a treaty signed by Germany and the Soviet Union promising that neither nation would attack the other. It also laid the groundwork for dividing Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, between them. The pact was a strategic move for both Hitler and Stalin, who sought to avoid a two-front war and protect their respective nations from fascism. However, it was a strange alliance, given the conflicting ideologies of the two nations and Hitler's explicit goal to annex Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltic states, which would require declaring war on the Soviet Union.
The cartoon, therefore, highlights the skepticism and uncertainty surrounding the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, suggesting that it was merely a temporary truce based on mutual fear and need rather than a long-term, stable alliance.
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Politics and government
The Clifford K. Berryman cartoon "Wonder How Long the Honeymoon Will Last?" published in 1939, refers to the Nazi-Soviet Pact signed in August of that year. The cartoon depicts a honeymoon between Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler, suggesting that the pact was only a temporary peace before an inevitable war. The cartoon also hints at the underlying tensions and power dynamics between the two dictators, with Hitler entering through the back door and Stalin's reluctant acceptance, "No, no, no".
The cartoon and the historical context can be analysed through a political and governmental lens. Firstly, the Nazi-Soviet Pact was a non-aggression treaty signed between two dictatorships with opposing ideologies. This highlights the complex nature of international relations and the pursuit of self-interest by both Hitler and Stalin. Secondly, the cartoon suggests that the pact provided a temporary respite for the Soviet Union, allowing them to modernise and prepare for the eventual war with Germany. This indicates a strategic use of diplomacy to buy time and strengthen their military position. Thirdly, the depiction of the honeymoon ending suggests that the pact was always intended to be short-lived, and the subsequent invasion of the Soviet Union by Germany in 1941 supports this interpretation. Finally, the cartoon also reflects the domestic political situation in the Soviet Union, with Stalin's purges and the modernisation of the Red Army creating a tumultuous environment that the Nazi-Soviet Pact may have temporarily alleviated.
In a broader sense, the cartoon also invites a discussion about the role of political cartoons in government and politics. Political cartoons, such as those drawn by Clifford K. Berryman, often provide a satirical or critical perspective on contemporary events. They can influence public opinion and shape the narrative around political issues. In the case of "Wonder How Long the Honeymoon Will Last?", the cartoon offers a critical view of the Nazi-Soviet Pact, suggesting that it was merely a temporary truce and not a lasting peace agreement. Such cartoons can have a lasting impact on historical memory and the interpretation of political events, contributing to the public discourse and shaping how governments and their decisions are perceived.
Furthermore, the concept of a "honeymoon period" in politics and government is an intriguing aspect to explore. The term "honeymoon" is often used metaphorically to describe the initial period of goodwill or positive sentiment towards a newly elected official or administration. This period is characterised by higher approval ratings and a willingness to cooperate across political aisles. However, as depicted in the Berryman cartoon, the "honeymoon" can also refer to temporary alliances or agreements between opposing factions, suggesting a fragile and short-lived peace.
In modern politics, the term "honeymoon period" has been applied to various scenarios, such as the early days of a presidential administration or the aftermath of an election. For example, in 2017, there was speculation about the "honeymoon period" of the Trump administration and how it would navigate legislative priorities and coalition-building. The concept of a second-term honeymoon has also been referenced in relation to President Trump, suggesting that even in a leader's second term, there may be periods of heightened popularity or approval that can influence policy-making and governance.
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Communism and art
The cartoon "When Will the Honeymoon End?" by Clifford K. Berryman, published in October 1939, offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex political landscape of the time, specifically the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact of 1939, also known as the Molotov Pact. This treaty, signed between Nazi Germany and the USSR, was an intriguing alliance between two ideologically opposed powers, and the cartoon captures the skepticism surrounding its longevity.
Berryman's cartoon is a powerful example of how art can be utilized to critique and comment on political events, especially in the context of communism. The depiction of Hitler and Stalin together, with kind eyes and a happy demeanor, is a stark contrast to their actual relationship and the harsh realities of their regimes. The artist's choice to personify Russia and Germany as women, "Mother Russia" and "Germania," adds an interesting layer to the cartoon.
This cartoon is a testament to the ability of art to convey powerful messages and influence public opinion. By presenting a seemingly harmonious relationship between Hitler and Stalin, Berryman likely intended to highlight the inherent instability of the pact and the conflicting interests of the two leaders. The title, "When Will the Honeymoon End?" captures the skepticism and suggests that the alliance is merely temporary.
The use of satire and propaganda in art has been a common tactic for centuries, and Berryman's work is a notable example from the 20th century. Through exaggeration, humor, and clever symbolism, artists can effectively critique political events, spark discussion, and influence public perception. In the context of communism and art, Berryman's cartoon serves as a reminder that even amidst complex political alliances, art can offer a unique perspective and incite dialogue.
In conclusion, "When Will the Honeymoon End?" by Clifford K. Berryman is a thought-provoking piece that utilizes artistic expression to comment on the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact of 1939. The cartoon's impact lies in its ability to capture the complexities of the time, presenting a critical perspective on the temporary alliance between two opposing powers. Through this example, we can appreciate how art, especially in the context of propaganda, can shape our understanding of historical events and the interplay between communism and artistic expression.
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Clifford Kennedy Berryman
As a political cartoonist, Berryman satirized both Democratic and Republican politicians and commented on a wide range of topics, including drought, farm relief, food prices, representation of Washington, D.C., in Congress, labour strikes, legislation, campaigning, elections, political patronage, European coronations, the America's Cup, and the atomic bomb. Berryman's work often featured prominent political figures, including Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman. He is particularly renowned for his cartoons "Remember the Maine" and "Drawing the Line in Mississippi." In 1944, he received the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning for his drawing "But Where is the Boat Going," which depicted President Franklin D. Roosevelt and other government officials attempting to steer the USS Mississippi in different directions.
Berryman's cartoons are preserved in several archives, including the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and George Washington University, as well as in archives that house presidential collections. A collection of 2,400 original pen-and-ink drawings by Berryman is housed at the Center for Legislative Archives, offering a glimpse into Washington politics, congressional issues, presidential elections, and both World Wars.
One of Berryman's notable works is the cartoon "Wonder How Long the Honeymoon Will Last?" published on October 9, 1939. This satirical cartoon refers to the Nazi-Soviet Nonaggression Pact signed in August 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II.
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Frequently asked questions
The cartoon refers to the Nazi-Soviet Pact signed in August 1939.
The cartoon was created by Clifford Kennedy Berryman.
The cartoon can be found in the collections of the Library of Congress and the Digital Pitt archive.
