Political Cartoons of the American Why Use Political

Political Cartoons of the American

Why Use Political Cartoons? § Speed in delivery of information: A cartoon’s message is translated in an instant. § Humor is a compelling way to sway people’s ideas and beliefs. § Humor is Fun!!!!!!

What makes Political Cartoons Effective? § § § Caricature Humor References to events or people Irony Symbolic Imagery

“The Colonies Reduced. ” § The cartoon depicts Mother England, surrounded by her amputated limbs—marked Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and New England—as she contemplates the decline of her empire. § Franklin, who was in England representing the colonists’ claims, arranged to have the image printed on cards that he distributed to members of Parliament. He hoped it would influence them to stop taxation without representation and other British acts that offended the colonists.

Store Front Innocent civilians killed “Butcher’s Hall” Defenseless &Unarmed Horrid, Terrible, Massacre British attacking Unhappy sufferers, Mortally Wounded

“The Sentry” Now it’s story time! Focus = Perspective and Bias (gather around my ankles like tiny squirrels)

Historical Background of Franklin’s cartoon § Representatives of seven colonies met in Albany to unite the colonies in matters of defense. § Benjamin Franklin proposed the Albany Plan of Union, which provided for a congress of delegates representing all the colonies. § England rejected it because she felt that a union of the colonies would make them too strong. § This was America’s first political cartoon, which appeared in Franklin’s newspaper shortly after the Albany Congress. § The drawing was based on the popular superstition that a snake that had been cut in two would come to life if the pieces were joined before sunset.

Cow representing English commerce being milked and dehorned by France, Spain, and the American Colonists while the British lion sleeps (created during the American Revolutionary War).

Thomas Jefferson is a prime example of a target for cartoonists.

1. The noose might be a general threat or a symbol that represented the popular use of effigies in protests. 2. THE LIBERTY TREE : a specific Elm tree used to hang people in effigy-- also a gathering spot for Sons of liberty 3. Although it is unclear in this image, the poster, which hangs upside down, says “STAMP ACT. ” Hanging the sign upside down may indicate surrender on the part of the British, since there is a tradition that flags are hung upside down to signal surrender. 4. This outfit identifies the participant as a sailor. The leather apron on the man next to him identifies him as an artisan. Why were they involved? 5. The liquid used would be distasteful and likely to promote vomiting—possibly vinegar. 6. The official's costume is the result of TARRING AND FEATHERING; It was a painful and dangerous practice that covered the subject with hot tar, rolled him in chicken feathers, and subjected him to public ridicule. 7. The Boston Tea Party is happening in the background 8. Liberty cap on a pole, a symbol of the American Revolution and the SONS OF LIBERTY.

Repealing the Stamp Act

Above the Vault § “Within this Family Vault, Lie Interred, it is to be hoped never to rise again, The Star Chamber Court Ship Money Excise Money & all Imposts without Parliament…” (translation: inside the vault lies the Stamp Act and all unjust acts that alienate the colonies!).

Skeleton Heads § These show the dates of two Rebellion Years. § Let’s ignore 1745 (it’s a rebellion of Scots against the British throne to restore a previous King. It failed). § 1765 is Stamp Act-- the colonists rebelled. Why is it represented with a skeleton head? ?

The Coffin § Contains the remains of the Stamp Act as it is being carried towards the open vault.

The Vault § The vault has been prepared for the burial of all unjust acts that would alienate Englishmen.

The Men § Leading the procession and preparing to deliver the funeral eulogy is the Reverend W. Scott, who is followed by the mourners: Grenville (carrying the coffin), Bute, Bedford, and Temple, some of the same Englishmen who were responsible for passing the act.

The Dock § By setting the action on a dock, the artist is able to show the large unshipped cargoes destined for America that accumulated during the period when the act was in force (because of colonists boycotting all British goods!).

The Ships § Ships labeled "Conway, " "Rockingham, " and "Grafton" that represent the Parliamentary leaders responsible for the repeal of the bill now stand ready to carry the goods to America.

The Goods § Stamps just returned from America are also stacked on the wharf.