Political Cartoons

1. Political Cartoons

2. Political cartoons can be very funny, especially if you understand the issue that they’re commenting on. Their main purpose, though, is not to amuse you but to persuade you. A good political cartoon makes you think about current events, but it also tries to sway your opinion toward the cartoonist’s point of view. The best political cartoonist can change your mind on an issue without you even realizing how he or she did it.

3. Cartoonist’s Persuasive Techniques • symbolism • exaggeration • labeling • analogy • irony • Once you learn to spot these techniques, you’ll be able to see the cartoonist’s point more clearly. You should also be aware of any political slant, or bias, that he or she might have. When you know where the cartoonist is coming from, it’s easier to make up your own mind.

5. Analysis • Lincoln is portrayed as weak and ineffective in his prosecution of the war. In this scene, Lincoln shoots his gun at a small bird labeled "C.S.A." (Confederate States of America). The bird is unhurt, but Lincoln falls backward vowing, "begorra, if ye wor at this end o’ th’ gun, ye wouldn’t flap yer wings that way, ye vill’in!" At right Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, who has the body of a dog, barks, "Bow-wow." • Lincoln’s rifle is labeled "To Whom It May Concern." These were the opening words of a public letter written by Lincoln in July 1864 which included the stipulation that the Confederate states abolish slavery before the administration would accept terms for peace.

7. Analysis • This cartoon is an attack on Lincoln and the human toll of the Union war effort. Columbia, wearing a liberty cap and a shirt made of an American flag, demands, "Mr. Lincoln, give me back my 500,000 sons!!!" At the right, Lincoln, unfazed, sits at a writing desk, his leg thrown over the chair back. A proclamation calling for "500 Thous. More Troops," signed by him, lies at his feet. He replies, "Well the fact is—by the way that reminds me of a Story!!!“ • If you saw Lincoln, you might recall that Abraham Lincoln was known for telling long-winded stories

8. “Long Abraham Lincoln a Little Longer” • Published after Lincoln secured his second term • Greatly exaggerates Lincoln’s height

9. Analyze the meaning of these cartoons….

14. Assignment • You will be assigned as either a Union or confederate sympathizer. Once you have your side, you should choose the tenor of your political cartoon: what argument or explanation are you going to make? • Choose your vehicle: How are you going to carry the meaning of your cartoon? What will you draw? • Decide what evidence from TKA you will use: • Include at least one character (indirectly or directly) • A quote (paraphrased or directly) from the book • Limit your knowledge to that of a person living on July 2, 1863. No anachronisms • You must have a completed rubric • Due Thursday, December 19 at the beginning of the period