Learning History through Political Cartoons Analyzing Political Cartoons
How to Interpret Visual Sources 1. Identify the subject • What issue is this political cartoon about? 2. Identify important symbols and details 3. Interpret the message • Did you find this cartoon persuasive? Why/why not? 4. Analyze the point of view • What is the cartoonist’s opinion on this issue? 5. Identify bias • Is the cartoonist being fair and accurate in portrayal of people and events?
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Symbolism Exaggeration Labeling Analogy Irony
Thomas Nast– famous Political Cartoonist During Civil War, Reconstruction, and Gilded Age.
Political Cartoons
• Themes
– Race – Immigration – Politics – Industrialization
– Contemporary
First rendering of Santa Claus in1860’s.
Politics in Gilded Age
• Emergence of Political Machines
– Organized group that controlled activities of a political party in a city– Pyramid Scheme – Political Boss: solve problems, gain control, corruption – Immigration+Political Boss= real-life solutions for city dwellers
• Municipal Graft and Scandal
– Election Fraud– graft= the illegal use of political influence for personal gain – Tweed Ring Scandal– Boss Tweed– Tammany Hall
• Civil Service Replaces Patronage
– Jobs go to most qualified person
• Business Buys Influence
– Corporate alliance with government. Campaign Finance issue?