John Bull John Bull John Bull is a national personification of the United Kingdom in general and England in particular, especially in political cartoons and similar graphic works. He is usually depicted as a stout, middle-aged, country dwelling, jolly, matter-of-fact man. John Bull originated as a satirical character created by Dr John Arbuthnot, a friend of Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope. Bull first appeared in 1712 in Arbuthnot's pamphlet "Law is a Bottomless Pit". The same year Arbuthnot published a four-part political narrative "The History of John Bull". In this satirical treatment of the War of the Spanish Succession John Bull brings
British entry into World War I Propaganda posters emphasized that Britain was required to safeguard Belgium's neutrality under the 1839 Treaty of London. Propaganda posters emphasized that Britain was required to safeguard Belgium's neutrality under the 1839 Treaty of London. The declaration of war automatically involved all dominions and colonies and protectorates of the British Empire, many of whom made significant contributions to the Allied war effort, both in the provision of troops and civilian labourers. British entry into World War I Great Britain entered World War I on 4 August 1914 when the king declared war after the expiration of an ultimatum to Germany. For