U. S. History

1. 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?

By the mid-19 th 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

Students 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.

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

 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

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

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

III. Captions and Labels Cartoonists often label or put captions on objects to make it clear exactly what they stand for

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.

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.”

 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?

SymbolMeaningExample Uncle Sam, Bald Eagle, American Flag U. S. Government Statue of Liberty, Liberty Torch, Liberty Bell Freedom and Democracy DonkeyDemocratic Party

SymbolMeaningExample ElephantRepublican Party Capitol Building Dome Congress White HousePresident

SymbolMeaningExample Scales, Lady Justice Justice and Court System Uncle SamAmerican People and the United States Dove, Olive Branch Peace

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”

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?

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?

Gilded Age Progressive Movement Imperialism

Progressive Movement Great Depression

What event do these two political cartoons represent? What symbols are found in these political cartoons?

More 9/11 Political Cartoons