Class and group discussions in which students practice identifying the techniques used in political cartoons and how these techniques can help them to identify an author's message. Tweeds greed drew the attention of Thomas Nast, a cartoonist for the periodical Harpers Weekly. After you identify the symbols in a cartoon, think about what the cartoonist means each symbol to stand for. If your students have never seen some of the vocabulary words, this will probably take a little longer, yet for students who are already familiar with the terms this will work as a refresher. 0000002732 00000 n Nast depicts New York corruption as Tweed is "the brains" at the New York state convention. Assign, or allow students to select, a cartoon American colonists fumed over the fact that these taxes were imposed without If so, what is the importance of the label? spars with James Madison. Tammany Tiger LooseWhat are you going to do about it? In the early twentieth century, the issue of child labor polarized American public opinion. 0000007843 00000 n Its loaded with lead.. This lesson can be a launching activity for several units: a newspaper unit, a unit on writing persuasive essays, or a unit on evaluating various types of propaganda. Apply figures of speech such as Exaggeration, Irony, Analogy, and Symbolism. Wilson urged the What message is the author trying to convey in this cartoon? This way, when they see the words or names, they have enough background knowledge to understand the picture. have been there to take part in the argumentand This final objective can be historical, relating to the topics in the cartoons, or something from their everyday life. Retrieved from https . Make sure to walk students through the first cartoon, pointing out how each of the vocabulary is used in the cartoon. In the 1870s, newspapers and weekly magazines like Harpers Weekly were fixtures in the neighborhood taverns where working-class New Yorkers gathered to drink, buy groceries and even vote in local elections. The increase in newspaper and magazine circulation in the 1800's provided a rich environment for the rise and use of political cartoons. Political cartoons are an excellent way to assess the popular culture of a particular time period. but each of the seven colonies rejected the plan. cartoonists use to persuade their audience. Another depicted all of New York under the giant thumb of Tweed. ", Common Uses of Symbolism in Political Cartoons Workshee, Incorporating Political Cartoons into Classrooms, Political Cartoons: Not Just for Educators. Question-finding is based on the curiosity theory of psychologist Daniel Berlyne. Well, Id need a lot of money for that, said Nast. He churned out five or six cartoons a week for Harpers. (still image) He went on a national tour doing chalk talks, says Halloran, where audiences would pay top dollar to watch him draw. In this piece, Nast depicts the infamous Boss Tweed as a heavier set man with a bag of money for his head. Students should also use evidence from the cartoon to support their analysis. knowledge about the events portrayed. any input from their colonial legislaturesan issue that was later addressed in the Declaration of Independence. 0000054436 00000 n political cartoon presentation by Elise Kacan 0000056229 00000 n 41 0 obj << /Linearized 1 /O 44 /H [ 1347 482 ] /L 514384 /E 288949 /N 9 /T 513446 >> endobj xref 41 37 0000000016 00000 n That achieved the Tammany victory at the Rochester Democratic Convention." popularity of newspapers and magazines, and the Students first develop critical questions about political cartoons. Let us know how you used this plan and be featured on our site! If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state. The author's message is the main point that he or she is trying to get across to the reader or viewer. Give students an opportunity to share their cartoons with the class, and invite classmates to analyze the cartoonist's message and voice their own opinions about the issue. John Bull often was used to personify Great Britain, much as Uncle Sam is used to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_M._Tweed#/media/File:Boss_Tweed,_Nast.jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boss_Tweed,_Thomas_Nast.jpg, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Nast#/media/File:Nast-Tammany.jpg, Cartoon Analysis: Thomas Nast Takes on Boss Tweed, 1871. Who was the artist of these political cartoons? Nast drew inspiration for his cartoons from articles and editorials about Tweeds brazen corruption published in the New-York Times, a new Republican newspaper. h[moF+P'M/mPfbJJwYR"i\ D2&E3 The BRAINS that achieved the Tammany victory at the Rochester Democratic Convention is an editorial cartoon wood engraving by the German-American illustrator, Thomas Nast, from 1871. In the 1868 election, Ulysses S. Grant credited his win to the sword of Sheridan and the pencil of Nast.. You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser, The Brains is one of Thomas Nasts most well-known political cartoons. In the twenty-first century, political cartoons appear in a wide range of online publications and can still stir up controversy. ical_cartoon/model.h tml PART II: ANALYSIS OF A POLITICAL CARTOON 1. 18 0 obj <> endobj 0000002424 00000 n He is sometimes depicted as weak in political cartoons due to his views on maintaining neutrality rather than entering World War I. 6, one of several volunteer firefighting companies in Manhattan that were little more than street gangs with fire hoses. Begin the second session by having students complete the online learning activity, Once students have completed the online activity, have them return to the questions they generated in the previous session. Jump to: Preparation Procedure Evaluation A careful analysis of political cartoons can provide a glimpse into key moments of U.S. political history. The final class presentation in which students demonstrate an ability to identify the artistic techniques used in political cartoons, to interpret an author's message, and to support their interpretation with specific details from the cartoon. Ask students the following questions: Return to the political cartoon from Session 1. Are any of the images being used as a symbol to stand for a larger concept or idea? 3. For over two hundred years, whenever a debate has Election officials across the US have faced an unprecedented amount of threats and harassment since the 2020 election. cartoons a valuable selling point. One common cause is a direct hit to the head. HMVwzB^pI@;/-<47^\Ijvsk{RErr,PSu^}U}2\~]*D 5.?7 ffNhdZTa`.3- 5W_/h(P.X"?A^rg~+_1y,=FtH~<3n=8Ynznr#4c. Get Printable Version Copy to Google Drive. Tweed feared Nast's cartoons to a much greater extent than newspaper articles, because many of his constituents were illiterate, and he even offered Nast a bribe to stop these public criticisms. Exaggeration: Making something seem more that it really is, for example, telling your parents that if you do not get the toy you want, it will be the end of the world. { In addition to his position as the Commissioner of Public Works, Tweed was the director of a bank, a railroad company and a publishing house. Tweeds circle tried, ineffectively, to bribe Nast. 0000008838 00000 n 0000002283 00000 n They then access an online activity to learn about the artistic techniques cartoonists frequently use. which the issues arose. This cartoon depicts Boss Tweed with a money bag for a head; Nast's intention ofportraying Boss like this was to show how he only cared about money and that he had money forbrains. B. The unanimous declaration of the thirteen United States of America. In his ferocious and funny caricatures, he painted Boss Tweed as a larger-than-life crook and Tammany Hall as a den of tigers. In Gilded Age New York City during the 1860s and 1870s, nobody wielded more political power than William Magear Tweed. a point? https://www.history.com/news/thomas-nast-boss-tweed-cartoons, The Political Cartoonist Who Helped Lead to ‘Boss Tweeds Downfall. Getting to Know You: Developing Short Biographies to Build Community, Phonic Generalizations in Chrysanthemum, My World of Words: Building Vocabulary Lists, The Day Jimmy's Boa Taught Cause and Effect, Literary Scrapbooks Online: An Electronic Reader-Response Project, Its No Laughing Matter: Analyzing Political Cartoons, To wander and wonder: Pathways to literacy and inquiry through question-finding (Ciardiello), The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists: Cartoons for the Classroom, Daryl Cagle's Professional Cartoonist Index, It's No Laughing Matter: Analyzing Political Cartoons, "Propaganda Techniques in Literature and Online Political Ads". Known for being a very large man. Older students can rewrite the passages for a different audience. A Cartoon Analysis Checklist, developed by Jonathan Burack, is presented here as a tool for helping students become skilled at reading the unique language employed by political cartoons in order to use them effectively as historical sources.The checklist is introduced through a series of classroom activities, and includes the following core concepts. How are these cartoons different from news articles? This picture displayed the body of Boss Tweed but where his head should be there is a money bag. Drawing Political Cartoons - The Kennedy Center The conclusion of the French and Indian War in 1763 was followed by Britains attempt to raise revenue by Political symbols, racial and ethnic stereotypes, personification of ideas, and caricatures of once familiar public figures abound in 19th-century political cartoons. 1. %%EOF Nast: His Period and His Pictures (New York, NY: The Macmillan Company, 1904) Nasts cartoons drew attention to Tweed and his many illegal activities. 0000007524 00000 n In this piece, Nast depicts the infamous Boss Tweed as a heavier set man with a bag of money for his head. and fair use guidelines. He believed in preserving the union first. personify the United States today. Classroom Materials at the Library of Congress. Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history. The William the United States Senate. First Thing: Will the Fox settlement restore confidence in elections For example, if a student asked, "Why did the artist make George Bush's ears so big in this cartoon? These two areas help us to understand the meaning or message the artist is trying to convey. trailer << /Size 78 /Info 40 0 R /Encrypt 43 0 R /Root 42 0 R /Prev 513436 /ID[<901989ee09d5ff44f935c86eef9580be>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 42 0 obj << /Metadata 39 0 R /Pages 38 0 R /Type /Catalog /PageLabels 36 0 R >> endobj 43 0 obj << /Filter /Standard /R 2 /O ( UV.`Dz-#_m_}g) /U (O_X^RC@/&#c) /P -4 /V 1 /Length 40 >> endobj 76 0 obj << /S 313 /L 432 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 77 0 R >> stream 0000006840 00000 n The destructive potential of Nast's . Explain that you will not be giving them the answers nor are you looking for them to answer the questions at this time. The Banks president pushed for Sample Questions: Nast was was trying to get the point across that Boss was a very corrupt man and all he wanted and cared for is money. for troops and funds for military action on July 4, 1861. 1300 Locust Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 Maybe youd like to take a trip to England or tour Europe, the lawyer proposed. walfredp8to49. Once the students have sufficient background knowledge, you can display the political cartoons. Ask students to look closely at the cartoon and write down any questions they have about the cartoon's message, the subject of the cartoon, or the artist's use of images. 1. Nast is often referred to as the "Father of the American Cartoon". caricature, exaggeration, and irony, communicate the message? 0000009781 00000 n If your use will be beyond a single classroom, please review the copyright The Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge. Thats when Nast turned his attention to Boss Tweed and his Democratic Tammany Hall political machine. Tweed died in jail in 1878, and Nast continued to draw for Harpers Weekly until 1886. Today, Nast is best known as the man who created the elephant and the donkey as the mascots for the Republican and Democratic parties, and who drew some of the earliest and most iconic images of Santa Claus. 0000001347 00000 n The most effective way to secure a freer America with more opportunity for all is through engaging, educating, and empowering our youth. The cartoon portrays the reaction of a Southern gentleman to this news. 0000003213 00000 n Hyman says that the museums collection includes 5,000 of Nasts engravings and sketches, and some personal items as well. 0000009203 00000 n For example, ask them how they would use symbolism to show things in their everyday life, such as Cleaning their room, Lunchtime at school, or Snow Day, just to give a couple of topic examples. Allen Rogers cartoon depicts Woodrow Wilson with a nefarious-looking German diplomat, holding a note that By 1869, Nast was a prolific and influential contributor to Harpers Weekly, the most popular illustrated newspaper of the time, says Fiona Halloran, author of Thomas Nast: The Father of Modern Political Cartoons. Thomas Nast, A.J. Published and Created by: Scott Karavlan. Begin this session by asking students the purpose of political cartoons. When the brain starts to slow down, it hits the other side of the inner skull. "The "BRAINS" by Thomas Nast | Daily Dose of Art Since Benjamin Franklin began publishing political 0000001104 00000 n Students will work in small groups to complete this activity. Explore our upcoming webinars, events and programs. Jefferson Davis: President of the South (confederacy) during the Civil War from 1861-65. Hine worked in conjunction with the National Child Labor Committee to end the practice. Interpreting Political Cartoons in the History Classroom Attaining money was Tweeds true identity. Computers with Internet access and printing capability, Several clips of recent political cartoons from a local newspaper, Overhead projector or computer with projection capability, Develop critical question to explore the artistic techniques used in political cartoons and how these techniques impact a cartoon's message, Evaluate an author or artist's meaning by identifying his or her point of view, Identify and explain the artistic techniques used in political cartoons, Analyze political cartoons by using the artistic techniques and evidence from the cartoon to support their interpretations. How to Analyze Political Cartoons How Can You Use Political Cartoons The caption, "The Brains", implies that Tweed's brains are controlled and fed by greed. With the nation on the brink of civil war, President Abraham Lincoln made a dramatic request to Congress expressed in a cartoon on taxation, for example, could be compared with recent perspectives. These two areas help us to understand the meaning or message the artist is trying to convey. His whole life, Nast didnt like hypocrisy and he had a very binary, black-and-white view of what was right and what was wrong, says Halloran. What does Thomas Nast, "The Brains," 1871 picture mean Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts. 0000008378 00000 n He was the president during the Civil War and he signed the Emancipation Proclamation that emancipated the slaves. Since trusts were a source of potent political anger, each candidate attempted to the point of view in the companion document similar to or different from the point of view in the cartoon? As preparation for this lesson, you will first need to view the online learning activity at. 1. |author=Digital Collections, The New York Public Library |accessdate=May 1, 2023 |publisher=The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox, and Tilden Foundations}}, The New York Public Library is a 501(c)(3) | EIN 13-1887440, Click to visit the main New York Public Library Homepage, The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection. New York Public Library Digital Collections. William Meager Tweed, known as Boss Tweed, was the head of the Tammany Hall Democratic political machine. Thomas Nast is known as the Father of the American political cartoon. Nast rarely replaced Tweeds face, preferring to draw him somewhat realistically from the neck up, but doing horrible things to his body (bloating, turning him into a vulture, obese emperor, etc.) PDF Cartoon Analysis Guide - Classroom Law Project C understanding of the issues addressed by the The boss still has the reins. German government to stop attacking unarmed ships, but many believed that Wilson needed to take a bolder To attach an enemy (in this case Nast believed Tweed was an enemy of political integrity) he made Tweed more obese than he actually was. For example, a heart can be a symbol for love. Ask students to Massachusetts Historical Society | Deciphering Political Cartoons In this activity, students will closely examine political cartoons about the Stamp Act; make inferences about the political, social, and economic situations depicted therein; and offer informed speculations concerning each creator&rsquo;s point of . Summary: The New York Times ran a series of stories (and cartoons!) Cartoonists' Persuasive Techniques Symbolism Cartoonists use simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas. In those years, William Tweed was already a minor celebrity in New York City as the burly leader of the Americus Fire Company No. William Meager Tweed as a New York City boss who many felt corruptly ran NYC. Colonial delegates approved the plan unanimously after some debate and revision, answer choices Daily Dose of Art is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. BRIs Comprehensive US History digital textbook, BRIs primary-source civics and government resource, BRIs character education narrative-based resource. At this time, explain to students that there are two areas to look at when evaluating political cartoons, the subject and the artistic techniques. So this cartoon is rare in the fact that Tweeds face is not in the photo, yet everyone who read Harpers Weekly magazine, knew exactly who the figure was. to analyze. The students' responses to the self-reflection questions in Lesson 4, whereby they demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of political cartoons and the artistic techniques used to persuade a viewer. A more detailed look at the history of artists and the art that they made. 4. addresses. A longtime contributor to HowStuffWorks, Dave has also been published in The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and Newsweek. William Meager Tweed as a New York City boss who many felt corruptly ran NYC. There is also a PowerPoint included, as well as analysis handouts with this to help guide your students through each of the 6 historical images and political cartoons . We strive for accuracy and fairness. Thomas Nast gleefullyand bravelymocked the Tammany Hall boss in multiple cartoons, prompting newspapers and authorities to investigate. We equip students and teachers to live the ideals of a free and just society. At his peak, Boss Tweed enjoyed wealth and influence beyond imagination. HSP has hundreds of political cartoons so if you find that you would like to use more, feel free to contact us for a full list of age appropriate cartoons for your classroom. 0000008080 00000 n In this lesson, high school students learn to evaluate political cartoons for their meaning, message, and persuasiveness. caricature, lampoon, and otherwise express their hb``Pa`` wv3F fah@SbF=^^z->] 0000049941 00000 n If so, what is the meaning of the symbol? Those against child labor argued As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The accompanying leaflet provides some insight into the