‘… and what’s going to happen to me?’ On 9 October 1948, German cartoonist Ernst Maria Lang illustrates the question of German rearmament and European defence. Little ‘German Michel’, looking very isolated and helpless faced with the dangers from the East, ponders his future. On the other site of the Rhine, European defence is organised in makeshift fashion under the auspices of the United States (Uncle Sam), who is calling in the troops. France, depicted by Marianne wearing a Phrygian cap, is buckling her belt, complete with sword, while John Bull, representing Great Britain, checks the barrel of his gun.