What is a political cartoon in history?
political cartoon, a drawing (often including caricature) made for the purpose of conveying editorial commentary on politics, politicians, and current events. Such cartoons play a role in the political discourse of a society that provides for freedom of speech and of the press.
When did political cartoons become a thing?
Political cartoonists gained currency during the Civil War, when artist Thomas Nast created some of the most instantly recognizable images in U.S. politics, including Uncle Sam, the Republican elephant and the Democratic donkey. Today, political cartoons remain a staple of newspapers’ editorial pages.
How old are political cartoons?
Developed in England in the latter part of the 18th century, the political cartoon was pioneered by James Gillray, although his and others in the flourishing English industry were sold as individual prints in print shops.
Why are political cartoons a useful source in the study of history?
Political cartoons are vivid primary sources that offer intriguing and entertaining insights into the public mood, the underlying cultural assumptions of an age, and attitudes toward key events or trends of the times. Since the 18th century, political cartoons have offered a highly useful window into the past.
When were political cartoons popularized?
Why did political cartoons became popular during the Gilded Age?
The Gilded Age: As industrialization expanded, a small number of businessmen dominated American economics. The country’s wealth gap increased greatly and became very apparent to the public. Political cartoons became a prime tool to express the public’s anger.
What is the history of political caricatures?
The middle and late century produced in Italy the brilliant political caricaturist Virginio, who was to the rise of Italian nationalism what Nast had been to the North in the American Civil War; he worked for Il Fischietto of Turin. In 1848 Kladderadatsch started in Berlin.
Who was the first cartoonist in the United States?
The earliest really impressive makers of personal caricature and political cartoon in the United States were David Claypoole Johnston and Thomas Nast.
What was politics like in the late 19th century?
Late 19th century politics was highly partisan and loyalties were strong. Direct appeals from partisans of another party usually were dismissed without much of a hearing. The Farmers’ Alliance became a valuable way- station between a voter’s old party and Populism.
Why did populist cartoonists use their own words against the enemy?
Populist cartoonists loved to use the “enemy’s” own words against them. In 1891, the People’s Party replaced Republican John J. Ingalls with farm editor William A. Peffer as U.S. Senator from Kansas. Populists saw their party as a tool for bringing relief to the laboring masses.