David Dellepiane

Original advertising poster by Dellepiane - Soldats !... je ne fume que Le Nil

Circa 1900

This early 20th-century propaganda poster, titled Les Sans-Patrie… Voilà l’Ennemi! (The Stateless… Here is the Enemy!), is a striking testament to the heated nationalist and anti-republican sentiments that surged in France in the years leading up to World War I. Created by E. Millo and published by Le Petit Patriote, the poster presents an impassioned defense of French patriotism while identifying internal enemies—those deemed to lack allegiance to the nation. At the time of its creation, France was deeply divided between nationalists and republicans, between those who saw France as a Catholic, traditionalist nation and those who pushed for a secular, progressive Republic. The Dreyfus Affair (1894–1906) had left the country bitterly fractured, with intense debates over loyalty, national identity, and military values. This poster embodies the sentiments of right-wing conservatives who viewed the Republic’s secularism, its tolerance of political opposition, and its social reforms as signs of national decay. The target of their ire was the so-called Sans-Patrie—those accused of betraying France by undermining its traditional values. The poster’s dramatic black-and-white illustration is designed to evoke strong patriotic emotions. At its center stands a personification of France, likely inspired by Marianne, the symbolic female figure representing the French Republic. She holds a French flag and a sword, embodying strength and resistance against the perceived enemies of the nation. Surrounding her are figures from different walks of life—workers, mothers, soldiers, and historical figures—suggesting that true French citizens stand together against those who would weaken the country. The bold headline, “Les Sans-Patrie… Voilà l’Ennemi!”, leaves no room for ambiguity. It directly accuses those who lack national loyalty as traitors, rallying "true" French citizens to defend the homeland. The text addresses “Aux Vrais Français” (To True French People), making a direct appeal to patriotic sentiment. It warns readers about anti-national forces, particularly socialists, internationalists, and secularists, who are accused of corrupting French youth, undermining the military, and weakening national unity. Among its claims, the poster states that: French schools are being used to indoctrinate children against patriotism. Military service, a key element of national strength, is under attack by those who wish to weaken France. The nation’s historical heroes and martyrs are being forgotten, replaced by values that do not serve the country’s survival. The final rallying cry at the bottom, “À bas les sans-patrie & Vive la France...

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