With a Weapon and a Grin
Postcard Images of France's Black African Colonial Troops in WWI
By Schiffer Military History | Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
About the book
In incorporating Black African soldiers on the European battleground in their war against the Germans in WWI, France needed to change the image of the African from that of savage to a loyal and courageous soldier, a non-threat to French citizenry.
What emerged was the Grand Enfant, a child-like figure with a winning grin who nonetheless could be ruthless in pursuit of the Hun. Meanwhile, German propaganda persisted in portraying the African as a cannibal, being unjustly deployed by France against the civilized European.
Postcards of the era were an important means of disseminating these images and demonstrate how the African soldier’s image was manipulated to serve the changing needs of the European belligerents.
The book contains over 150 stunning images from this propaganda war and places them in historical context. It is a pioneering study in English of a long-neglected aspect of the First World War.
Editions of With a Weapon and a Grin
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780764352270
Read an Excerpt
In incorporating Black African soldiers on the European battleground in their war against the Germans in WWI, France needed to change the image of the African from that of savage to a loyal and courageous soldier, a non-threat to French citizenry.
What emerged was the Grand Enfant, a child-like figure with a winning grin who nonetheless could be ruthless in pursuit of the Hun. Meanwhile, German propaganda persisted in portraying the African as a cannibal, being unjustly deployed by France against the civilized European.
Postcards of the era were an important means of disseminating these images and demonstrate how the African soldier’s image was manipulated to serve the changing needs of the European belligerents.
The book contains over 150 stunning images from this propaganda war and places them in historical context. It is a pioneering study in English of a long-neglected aspect of the First World War.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is With a Weapon and a Grin about?
In incorporating Black African soldiers on the European battleground in their war against the Germans in WWI, France needed to change the image of the African from that of savage to a loyal and courageous soldier, a non-threat to French citizenry.
What emerged was the Grand Enfant, a child-like figure with a winning grin who nonetheless could be ruthless in pursuit of the Hun. Meanwhile, German propaganda persisted in portraying the African as a cannibal, being unjustly deployed by France against the civilized European.
Postcards of the era were an important means of disseminating these images and demonstrate how the African soldier’s image was manipulated to serve the changing needs of the European belligerents.
The book contains over 150 stunning images from this propaganda war and places them in historical context. It is a pioneering study in English of a long-neglected aspect of the First World War.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in With a Weapon and a Grin?
History and Archaeology > History > Military history > Specific wars and military campaigns > First World War
Where can I read a sample of With a Weapon and a Grin?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780764352270
Who is/are the Author/s of the book With a Weapon and a Grin?
Schiffer Military History
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
With a Weapon and a Grin is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780764352270)
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Where can I buy With a Weapon and a Grin?