1. Unit 4: The Gilded Age

3. 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

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

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

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

7. 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Historical documents: political cartoons from historical periods can provide fascinating insights into what was going on at the time

8. 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

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

10. 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?

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

14. 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).

16. 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?

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

19. Argument
What argument is the author of the cartoon making?

21. In your notebook
Title
Background
Symbolism
Irony
Caricature
Argument

22. 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!