This souvenir cotton towel/scarf/handkerchief recreates a map originally published in the August 7, 1914 edition of the Manchester Guardian – just over a week after Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. A somewhat simple map of Europe highlights railroads, international borders, major waterways, and mountain ranges – all critical elements in the escalating conflict. The Union Jack is intertwined with the flags of Britain’s major allies (Belgium, Russia, and France – twice) in the decorative border, which also features maritime motifs that reflect the United Kingdom’s supremacy of the waves. The overall image offers a somewhat optimistic overview of the continental battleground shortly after the war was officially declared. With the Central Powers pinched between the Triple Entente, the Great War was certain to be over before Christmas!
