Mrs. Ruland's U.S. History Class Project
Political Cartoons and Reform
Cody R, Jack N, and Sean H
Overview:
Throughout American history, political cartoons helped reform efforts. These reform efforts included the Progressive Era of the early twentieth century and reform during FDR's New Deal. The most famous cartoonist is Thomas Nast. He helped in bringing down Boss Tweed and influenced future cartoonists to help reform efforts as well. Political cartoons show the public of the flaws of the government or the policies that the government makes. Other political cartoons showed how people are good and how the public should trust their decisions. Usually, the public looks at the political cartoons and agrees with them. If political cartoons were never drawn, the world as we know it may be completely different.
Links:
Herblock's History- This site contains explanations for various cartoons created by Herbert Block, that span American history from the Great Depression to the Millennium. Also it explains how political cartoons are used and seen by the public.
The First 100 Days- This site is a collection of political cartoons pertaining to the first one hundred days of the New Deal. These cartoons criticized FDR's propensity to spend money and how he governed the country.
FDR and the Supreme Court-This website includes information on political cartoons having to do with FDR's attempt to pack the Supreme Court, in order for them to vote in favor of his ideals. Although FDR had been a popular president overall, these cartoons showed how America didn't approve of his attempt to court pack.
Brief History of Political Cartoons - An extended description of political cartoons, from their meaning to their influence. Most of the cartoons included were made by the best cartoonists. Leonardo De Vinci, Martin Luther, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Nast are all included.
Tammany Hall Corruption Cartoons of Thomas Nast- Thomas Nast pushed for political reform through cartoons. In the later 1800's, Boss Tweed had ultimate political power through government corruption. Nast's cartoons eventually changed public opinion of Tweed and he was jailed for his white collar crime. These site is helpful because it gives detailed background information involved in the making of Nast's cartoons.
Political Cartoons and Their Influence on the 1912 Election- This site explains reform in the early 20th century, including Teddy Roosevelt's quest for a third term to the causes of the Progressive Movement. The author explains how political cartoons furthered the effects of many reform movements of the time.
Drawing Policy: Teddy Roosevelt, Industrialism, and Political cartoons- This website talks about how political cartoons can influence how civilians view important people. In this case, Teddy Roosevelt and his ideas are depicted in political cartoons. Most of the cartoons about Roosevelt show him as a great man that makes great decisions and that is what the public thought of him.
Last updated March 28, 2007
© Marcella Ruland 1998-2008, All rights reserved
