Unit 4: The Gilded Age 12.3.18

Immigration Between 1865 and 1920, close to 30 million people immigrated to the US Two waves: 1860s-1880s: Western Europe (Irish, German, English) 1880s – 1920s: Eastern Europe (Italy, Baltic countries, Russia) & China

Definitions Immigrate – Moving to a new country Emigrate – Leaving a country

Why do people immigrate (pull) & emigrate (push)?

Analyzing Political Cartoons Our goal: Understand America’s responses to this wave of immigration

Why is this important? Media Literacy--equip ourselves with tools to understand the media and what’s going on the in the world Historical documents: political cartoons from historical periods can provide fascinating insights into what was going on at the time

What is a political cartoon? An illustration or comic strip that has a political or social message Political cartoons typically choose to use politics, pop culture, and current events as subject matter. The artist makes an argument about the subject matter

You must remember B.A.S.I.C. Background Argument Symbolism Irony Caricature

Background What background information do you have that could help you understand what is going on? What is the historical context in which it was produced?

Symbol A symbol is something that represents or stands for something else. What does the author do with symbols?

Irony Irony is when something happens that is inconsistent from what might be expected to happen. Example: If a highway patrolman got fined for speeding, that would be ironic because there is a clash between what happens (the patrolman is fined) and what is expected to happen (the patrolman fines people for speeding).

Caricature A drawing or description that exaggerates somebody’s or something’s characteristics In this political cartoon, what is exaggerated? How does that help you understand the political cartoon?

B.A.S.I.C.  B.S.I.C.A 1)Background 2)Symbolism 3)Caricature 4) Irony 5)Argument Argument comes last! Why?

Argument What argument is the author of the cartoon making?

In your notebook Title Background Symbolism Irony Caricature Argument

Political Cartoon Analysis Analyze the cartoons by filling in the chart in your notebook Work with your table mates to make sure you all understand – help each other!