POLITICAL CARTOONSU. S. History

Questions1. What is this called?

2. Where would you find one published?

3. What symbol(s) do you see in it?

4. What is the meaning of it?

History of Political Cartoons

By the mid-19th Century (1800s), major newspapers in many countries featured cartoons designed to express the newspaper publisher’s opinion on the politics of the day. Political cartoons can usually be found on the editorial (opinions) page of many newspapers. Examples: Tampa Tribune,

Tampa Bay Times

ObjectiveStudents Will: Analyze how images, symbols, cartoons, graphs, charts, maps, and artwork may be used to interpret the significance of time periods and events from the past. (SS 912-A-1)

Use research and inquiry skills to analyze U.S. History using primary and secondary sources.

Big Idea

Political Cartoons

The purpose of political cartoons is to make people think about current events and issues concerning politics and government. Help provide additional viewpoints Assume the audience has enough

knowledge about the issues to understand the message

Emphasize one side of the issue or concern

Rely on humor, irony, or sarcasm Depend on drawings to make a point

Political Cartoons – Assume Audience has Prior Knowledge

Raising the Flag on the Island of Iwo Jima – statue made from a famous photograph of the U.S. Marines raising the flag during the WWII battle

Political Cartoon - in the aftermath of 9/11, first-responders found and raised American flag over “Ground Zero” site of Twin Towers

Five Techniques used by Political Cartoonists

I. Symbolism

Cartoonists used simple objects, or symbols, to stand for an idea

Five Techniques used by Political Cartoonists

II. Exaggeration or Caricature

Sometimes cartoonists overdo, magnify, or exaggerate, the physical characteristics of people or things in order to make a point

Five Techniques used by Political Cartoonists

III. Captions and Labels

Cartoonists often label or put captions on objects to make it clear exactly what they stand for

Five Techniques used by Political Cartoonists

IV. Analogy

An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things. By comparing a complex issue or situation with a more familiar one, cartoonists can help their readers see it in a different light.

Five Techniques used by Political Cartoonists

V. Irony

Irony is the difference between the way things are and the way things should be, or the way things are expected to be. Cartoonists often use irony to express their opinion on an issue. What is said or shown has a “twist.”

Questions to Ask Yourself when Analyzing a Political Cartoon

What issue is this political cartoon about? What do you think is the cartoonist’s

opinion on this issue? What other opinion can you imagine

another person having on this issue? Did you find this cartoon persuasive?

Why or why not? What other technique could the

cartoonist have used to make this cartoon more persuasive?

Common Political Cartoon Symbols

Symbol Meaning Example

Uncle Sam, Bald Eagle, American Flag

U. S. Government

Statue of Liberty, Liberty Torch, Liberty Bell

Freedom and Democracy

Donkey Democratic Party

Common Political Cartoon Symbols

Symbol Meaning Example

Elephant Republican Party

Capitol Building Dome

Congress

White House President

Common Political Cartoon Symbols

Symbol Meaning Example

Scales, Lady Justice

Justice and Court System

Uncle Sam American People and the United States

Dove, Olive Branch

Peace

Political Cartoon with Symbols Examples

Gilded Age Political Cartoons

The following slide are two views of immigration drawn by the same cartoonist, but during different time periods.

The cartoon at the top was drawn in the early 1880s, and the bottom cartoon was drawn in the 1890s

1880s –“Welcome to All”

1890s – “Looking Backward”

Gilded Age Political Cartoons - Questions

In the top cartoon – “Welcome to All” – 1. What are the five (5) benefits

that immigrants might receive in America?

2. What is Uncle Sam doing atop the plank?

3. What attitude about immigration does this cartoon present?

Gilded Age Political Cartoons - Questions

In the bottom cartoon – “Looking Backward” 1. What are the men doing on

the dock?2. Why are they doing this?3. What do the shadows

represent?4. What attitude about

immigration does the cartoonist now present?

Historical Political Cartoons

Gilded Age

Progressive Movement

Imperialism

Historical Political Cartoons

Imperialism

ProgressiveMovement

Great Depression

Current Political CartoonsWhat event do these two political cartoons represent?

What symbols are found in these political cartoons?

Current Political Cartoons

More 9/11 Political Cartoons