THE AGE OF THE NAPOLEONIC WARS IN THE ENGLISH POLITICAL CARICATURE

Abstract

This article discusses the images of the era of the Napoleonic wars, which are reflected in the political caricature of Great Britain in the late 18th - early 19th centuries. Cartoonists of the "golden age" did not give mercy to anyone and gave the fastest reactions to the events taking place, not only within the country, but also in the international arena. The views of famous caricaturists on the events of the era are analyzed. The main character of the vast majority of English caricatures was Napoleon Bonaparte. In such a short period of time, the image of Napoleon has significantly transformed: from an ordinary general of the French army to "baby Bonnie" or "Corsican monster". Quite often satirists received the state order from the British government. The formed negative image of the French emperor fueled long-standing hostility towards the French nation and more united the British, including the formation of a national identity.