Photo 1: A Soviet traffic policeman enjoying an American pizza in Moscow, signalling the slow introduction of economic reforms under Gorbachev's rule in the Soviet Union

Summary of Analysis:

• Signage: The sign "Fresh American Pizza in Moscow" clearly shows the introduction of American fast food culture in the Soviet Union.

• Architecture and Infrastructure: The presence of a river and industrial smokestacks suggests an industrial area of Moscow, likely near a major riverfront.

• Crowd and Attire: The Soviet officer’s uniform and the business attire of the men reflect late Soviet-era styles.

• Geographical Features: The visible river in the background suggests this scene is near the Moskva River, which runs through central Moscow.

• General Context: The proximity to the Moskva River and the industrial setting likely places this event near the river’s embankment, possibly close to landmarks such as the Kremlin or Zaryadye Park.

Year:

• This photograph was taken in 1988.

• The introduction of American businesses, especially fast food like pizza, aligns with the late Soviet era and the gradual opening of markets under Gorbachev’s policies.

• The military uniforms and overall casual scene suggest a period of relative openness, consistent with the late 1980s.

• The industrial setting, with smokestacks and Soviet military presence, places this toward the end of the Soviet period.

Location:

• This photo was taken in Moscow, Russia, likely along the Moskva River embankment.

• The visible river in the background, along with the industrial architecture, places this photo near the riverbanks of the Moskva River, which flows through central Moscow.

• The nearby structures suggest a location near the heart of the city, potentially close to the Kremlin or Zaryadye Park, as these areas feature a blend of Soviet-era industry and modern development.

Photo 2: A statue of President Andrew Jackson, defaced by police brutality protesters, in front of the White House

Summary of Analysis:

• Signage: The Washington Monument and White House are clearly visible, along with a statue of Andrew Jackson on horseback.

• Architecture and Infrastructure: The White House’s neoclassical design, combined with the helicopter and security measures, indicate this is likely Lafayette Square.

• Crowd and Attire: The police presence and fencing suggest heightened security, possibly during a protest or major political event.

• Geographical Features: The layout of the park, with the Washington Monument visible in the background, points to Lafayette Square, directly north of the White House.

• General Context: The fencing and police presence, along with the protest-related graffiti on the Andrew Jackson statue, suggest a politically charged event in Lafayette Square.

Year:

• This photograph was taken between 2020-2021.

• The presence of modern security measures and the helicopter suggest a time of political unrest, likely during the 2020 election or post-election protests.

• The graffiti and police presence align with the events surrounding protests near the White House in mid-2020.

• The modern attire and phone use confirm this photo is from a contemporary period.

Location:

• This photo was taken in Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C., USA.

• The statue of Andrew Jackson, combined with the proximity to the White House and the visible Washington Monument, places this scene in Lafayette Square, a well-known public park directly north of the White House.

• This area is often used for protests, making it a significant location during politically charged events.

Photo 3: A Fiaker (horse-drawn carriage) travelling down a street in Vienna towards, the former imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty in Austria

Summary of Analysis:

• Signage: The German-language signs, such as "Einbahn," along with Austrian flags, clearly indicate a German-speaking country, specifically Austria.

• Architecture and Infrastructure: The narrow streets and classical architecture suggest a historic, central district of Vienna, with horse-drawn carriages adding to the traditional charm.

• Crowd and Attire: The modern tourists mingling with a traditionally dressed coachman highlight this as a popular sightseeing area.

• Geographical Features: The ornate dome visible in the distance points to an important building, likely the Hofburg Palace.

• General Context: This is likely the central pedestrian area of Kohlmarkt, which is known for its upscale shopping and proximity to Hofburg Palace.

Year:

• This photograph was taken between 1985-1990.

• The fashion styles and presence of horse-drawn carriages suggest a strong tourism industry in this era.

• The lack of modern digital devices in the crowd confirms a pre-2000 timeframe.

• The street's preserved historical appearance reflects Vienna’s status as a cultural and historical center in the 1980s.

Location:

• This photo was taken on Kohlmarkt, Vienna, Austria, near the Hofburg Palace.

• The ornate architecture and the dome in the distance suggest this is Vienna’s famous shopping street, Kohlmarkt, which leads directly to the Hofburg Palace. The presence of tourists and horse-drawn carriages, iconic to Vienna, confirms this central location.

Photo 4: A street scene in Havana, Cuba

Summary of Analysis:

• Signage: The license plates on the vintage cars, combined with the tropical foliage, suggest a Caribbean location.

• Architecture and Infrastructure: The well-maintained American cars from the 1950s are a hallmark of Cuba, where such vehicles are still commonly used due to the embargo on car imports.

• Crowd and Attire: Few people are present, but those visible are dressed casually, matching a warm, tropical climate.

• Geographical Features: The palm trees and lush greenery, along with the blend of old American cars and modern infrastructure, strongly indicate Havana.

• General Context: The vintage American cars, tropical setting, and casual atmosphere point to Havana, where the preservation of old vehicles and colonial architecture is iconic.

Year:

• This photograph was taken between 2015-2018.

• The mix of modern Hyundai trucks and 1950s American cars reflects the ongoing preservation of vintage vehicles, a signature of Havana since the Cuban Revolution.

• The well-maintained condition of the streets and cars suggests a period of recent tourism and infrastructure improvements.

• The increasing appearance of modern vehicles in Cuba became more common in the 2010s due to a slight relaxation of trade restrictions.

Location:

• This photo was taken in Havana, Cuba, likely along the Paseo del Prado.

• The presence of classic American cars and the urban tropical environment strongly suggest Havana.

• The wide boulevard with well-preserved colonial architecture is characteristic of the Paseo del Prado, a major street in Havana known for its vintage cars and vibrant scenery.

Photo 5: A busy view of Rue Royale, Paris in the mid 30s

Summary of Analysis:

• Signage: The French models of cars and the layout of the square strongly suggest a French-speaking European city.

• Architecture and Infrastructure: The design of the cars, including Renaults and Citroëns, along with the art-deco streetlights, point to a 1930s Parisian cityscape.

• Crowd and Attire: The fashion of both drivers and pedestrians, as well as the prevalence of bicycles, are typical of 1930s Paris.

• Geographical Features: The wide, tree-lined avenue and distinctive architecture closely resemble Place de l’Étoile, a famous Parisian square.

• General Context: The bustling traffic, featuring pre-war French cars, and the Parisian street design strongly suggest this is Paris during the late 1930s.

Year:

• This photograph was taken in 1937.

• The French car models, including Renault and Citroën, were common in the mid-to-late 1930s.

• The busy city atmosphere and style of bicycles align with pre-WWII Paris.

• The combination of art-deco streetlamps and classic car designs points to the pre-war boom years in France.

Location:

• This photo was taken in Paris, France, likely at Place de l’Étoile, near the Arc de Triomphe.

• The tree-lined avenues and the arrangement of cars, typical of Parisian traffic circles, suggest this is Place de l’Étoile, a famous roundabout that surrounds the Arc de Triomphe.

• The traffic congestion and classic Parisian architecture further confirm this iconic location.