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Populist and Progressive Era Political Cartoons. Interpreting the Images. Political cartoons are a way to express many opinions and emotions through images more than just the written word. Cartoonists often would seize on some ridiculous aspect of an argument or story to make their point.
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Interpreting the Images • Political cartoons are a way to express many opinions and emotions through images more than just the written word. • Cartoonists often would seize on some ridiculous aspect of an argument or story to make their point. • Political cartoons remain a strong American tradition of political and social commentary today
Assignment • Pick 4 cartoons to analyze. • Answer the questions that correspond to your cartoons. • Be read to share with the class your findings/opinions
Background: The character is Boss Tweed, maybe the most well-known corrupt political boss is New York City at the turn of the century Which groups’ concerns might the artist be representing? Which reforms were put in place to combat people like Boss Tweed? 3. Where and how might voter intimidation be seen today?
Where might this cartoon have been printed? • Was this a real option in the election of 1896? • Do you think a populist-style party could make a serious challenge to the Republicans or Democrats now? Explain. “In which box will the voter of ‘96 put his ballot?”
Who is the man, and what is he holding? • What brought about this cartoon, and what reform was made? • What might be a few ways to bring “big problem issues” to the public’s attention and create reform?
What kind of newspaper would have printed this cartoon? • From the artist point of view, what does the image on the right say about Wm. Jennings Bryan? • Does military service make a candidate more suitable for office?
Labels: corn (top to bottom): taxes, profit, interest, rent People: politician, railroad-magnate, money lord, land lord watering can: free silver Do you think this cartoon is helpful of hurtful towards the Populist Party? Why? What does this say about the relationship between businesses and farmers? What could the farmer represent today?
AMERICAN CITIZEN: "What weight can my vote have against this flood of ignorance, stupidity and fraud?" • What is the issue being confronted? • Where might this cartoon be printed? • Is this a problem today?