Dr. Seuss: The Art of War and Peace

1. Dr. Seuss: The Art of War and Peace Chrissy Boggs 16 February 2012 Gateway: Instructional Technology GSCE 570 Dr. David Carbonara Spring 2012

2. Directions • Click on the arrows in the right hand corner to proceed to the next slide. • Read each slide and review the visual aids. • Answer each question by clicking on the correct response.

3. Introduction to Dr. Seuss: The Art of War and Peace The author of over 40, Dr. Seuss is a beloved figure to the old and to the young. He is responsible for such iconic classics as The Cat in the Hat, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Horton Hears a Who, and Oh the Places You’ll Go. But beyond his unmatched contribution to children’s literature, Dr. Seuss serves as one of America’s great political cartoonists and commentators. This lesson will delve into the early history of American political cartooning and the historical influence of Dr. Seuss.

4. Lesson 1 Political Cartoons in America

5. Lesson 1 Objectives • Students will be able to summarize the early history of political cartoons in America. • Students will be able to identify examples of political cartoons. • Students will understand the purpose and importance of political cartoons in American history.

6. Political Cartoons • In early newspapers and publications, political cartoons were intended to appeal to the masses. • Political cartoons were a visual representation of ideas and beliefs, often helping to shape political and social opinions. • The visual aspect of political cartoons catered to both literate and illiterate populations.

7. “Join, or Die” • Benjamin Franklin is credited with the first political cartoon in America. • “Join, or Die”, published in 1754, argued for unification within the colonies during the French and Indian War.

8. Thomas Nast • Thomas Nast revolutionized political cartooning; he published weekly editorial cartoons in Harper’s Weekly. • Nast’s cartoons featured caricatures of politicians and popular figures in American culture, as well as social and political commentary. • Nast is best known for his cartoons exposing the Tammany Hall Scandal and Boss Tweed. • Still popular today, Nast is credited with such symbols as the Republican elephant and Democratic donkey.

9. WWII Propaganda • Political cartoons were an integral part of propaganda during World War II. • Cartoons helped to promote domestic war effort. • Artists portrayed America’s enemies in a negative light, often exaggerating stereotypes of the Nazis and Japanese in their drawings.

10. Question 1 “Join, or Die” is a political cartoon written to gain support for: • Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall • The war effort during WWII • Colonial unification during the French and Indian War

11. Correct! Excellent job! Please click the arrow to continue to Lesson 2.

12. Incorrect Sorry, wrong answer! Please try again.

13. Lesson 2 Theodor Seuss Geisel and Dr. Seuss

14. Lesson 2 Objectives • Students will learn about the early biography and career of Dr. Seuss. • Students will be able to identify the transition of Dr. Seuss from a WWII political cartoonist to children’s author.

15. Theodor Seuss Geisel • Dr. Seuss, born Theodor Seuss Geisel, was the son of German immigrants and grew up in Massachusetts. • As a student at Dartmouth College, Geisel served as editor of the school newspaper. Here, he began signing his illustrations with the name “Seuss.” • After graduating from Dartmouth, he went on to study at Oxford University in England.

16. The Early Career of Dr. Seuss • Dr. Seuss began his early career as a cartoonist for The Saturday Evening Post and as an advertiser for Standard Oil. • Throughout WWII, Seuss contributed to PM magazine where he expressed his anti-isolationist views. • Seuss served as a member of Frank Capra’s Signal Corps which created war-time movies for the U.S. Army.

17. Dr. Seuss after the War • Dr. Seuss continued to contribute to such magazines as Life and Vanity Fair. • Seuss’ first book, And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street was rejected 27 times before publication. • The Cat in the Hat was Seuss’ first huge success and put him on the map as a children’s author. • At the time of Seuss’ death in 1991, he had published over 44 children’s books.

18. Question 2 Theodor Seuss Geisel first began using the name “Seuss” while • Acting as editor of Dartmouth College’s student newspaper • Working with Frank Capra during WWII • Writing The Cat in the Hat

19. Correct! Excellent job! Please click the arrow to proceed to Lesson 3.

20. Incorrect Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

21. Lesson 3 The Art of War of war and peace

22. Lesson 3 Objectives • Students will be able to understand the influence that WWII had on the themes of Dr. Seuss’ children’s books. • Students will be able to identify Dr. Seuss as a significant historical figure in the context of his political as well as literary contributions.

23. The Art of War As a cartoonist for PM magazine during WWII, Dr. Seuss’ illustrations reflected his social and political views. His cartoons served as a commentary on American isolationism, anti-Semitism, and racism.

24. The Art of Peace Post war, Dr. Seuss established himself as a wildly popular children’s author. Beneath the whimsy and hilarity of colorful characters and ridiculous plots, Dr. Seuss infuses a deeper meaning into his stories.

25. Before and After Please click to view examples of Dr. Seuss’ work before and after WWII. Select “The Gallery”. When you are finished viewing, exit the webpage and proceed to the next slide by clicking the arrow.

26. Horton hears a who Horton Hears a Who, the story of a kind-hearted elephant on a mission to save a tiny speck and the people who live on it, exemplifies the richness of Dr. Seuss’ stories in the post-war world. Horton is a commentary on the treatment of Japan after the war’s end. Please click to view video clips of Horton Hears a Who.

27. Question 3 What power-hungry character was modeled after Adolph Hitler? • The Lorax • Yertle the Turtle • Horton

28. Correct! Excellent job! You’ve earned a little play time! After you’ve finished, please proceed to the next slide.

29. Incorrect Sorry, wrong answer! Please try again.

30. The Doctor Seuss We Know and Love As a political cartoonist or children’s author, Dr. Seuss is undoubtedly a significant contributor to American political, social, and cultural history. Whether in the form of biting cartoons that distinctly expressed his political views or his zany books that argued for kindness and tolerance, Dr. Seuss shaped generations of readers.

31. The End