Political Cartoons A brief look at American History Social Studies Chapter 8: The Road to War

What is a political cartoon? A political cartoon is an illustration or comic strip containing a political or social message that usually relates to current events or personalities. Political cartoons are art forms portraying government programs, policies, and personalities in humorous ways.

Cartoonists use the following persuasive methods to create humor in their cartoon. symbolism - using an object to stand for an idea caricature - exaggerating a physical feature or habit: big nose, bushy eyebrows, large ears, baldness captioning and labels - given to someone or something for clarity and emphasis analogy - a comparison between two unlike things that share some characteristics irony - the difference between the way things are and the way things should be or the way things are expected to be juxtaposition - positioning people or objects near each other, side-by-side exaggeration - overstating or magnifying a problem

Cartoonist Example 1 Do you know who they are? 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush Do you know who they are? 44th U.S. President Barack Obama

What persuasive method was used on the previous slide? symbolism - using an object to stand for an idea caricature - exaggerating a physical feature or habit: big nose, bushy eyebrows, large ears, baldness captioning and labels - given to someone or something for clarity and emphasis analogy - a comparison between two unlike things that share some characteristics irony - the difference between the way things are and the way things should be or the way things are expected to be juxtaposition - positioning people or objects near each other, side-by-side exaggeration - overstating or magnifying a problem

Cartoonist Example 2

What persuasive methods did you notice that were used on the previous slide? symbolism - using an object to stand for an idea caricature - exaggerating a physical feature or habit: big nose, bushy eyebrows, large ears, baldness captioning and labels - given to someone or something for clarity and emphasis analogy - a comparison between two unlike things that share some characteristics irony - the difference between the way things are and the way things should be or the way things are expected to be juxtaposition - positioning people or objects near each other, side-by-side exaggeration - overstating or magnifying a problem

Cartoonist Example 3

What persuasive method was used on the previous slide? symbolism - using an object to stand for an idea caricature - exaggerating a physical feature or habit: big nose, bushy eyebrows, large ears, baldness captioning and labels - given to someone or something for clarity and emphasis analogy - a comparison between two unlike things that share some characteristics irony - the difference between the way things are and the way things should be or the way things are expected to be juxtaposition - positioning people or objects near each other, side-by-side exaggeration - overstating or magnifying a problem

Cartoonist Example 4 The “Join, or Die” cartoon was created by Benjamin Franklin to urge colonies to unite during the French and Indian War. (This is found on page 270 in your textbook.)

In conclusion… Political cartoons are meant to be a fun way of presenting your own particular ideas or beliefs on a relevant current event. If you choose to make a political cartoon for your assignment, please be sensitive to the beliefs of others and do not offend your peers. As a result, all political cartoon ideas must be approved by your teacher! Take pride in your work! Be neat and creative. Have fun with this project! 

How will you be scored? Title/Slogan – your cartoon should have a title or slogan explaining what is being presented by your picture. (3 points) Clear message – your cartoon’s message should be easily determined by those who view it. (5 points) Detailed color and limited white – spend the time to take pride in your work and create great detail with your ability to color and draw. (6 points) Persuasive methods – use 2 in your drawing (4 points) Mounted on construction paper (1 point) Name and homeroom at bottom right-hand corner (1 point) 20 total points