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How did political cartoons start?
It’s important to note that America’s earliest cartoons were political in nature. The first cartoon appeared in Ben Franklin’s newspaper The Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754. It appeared as part of an editorial by Franklin commenting on ‘the present disunited state of the British Colonies.
What is the history of political cartoons?
Developed in England in the latter part of the 18th century, the political cartoon was pioneered by James Gillray, although his and others in the flourishing English industry were sold as individual prints in print shops.
Are political cartoons reliable?
Political cartoons should be regarded as much more than that. They are an important historical source which often casts vivid light on events, and which is useful both to the teacher and to the researcher.
When were political cartoons popular?
Political cartoonists gained currency during the Civil War, when artist Thomas Nast created some of the most instantly recognizable images in U.S. politics, including Uncle Sam, the Republican elephant and the Democratic donkey. Today, political cartoons remain a staple of newspapers’ editorial pages.
Are political cartoons effective?
When successful, political cartoons can fulfill an important criticizing and controlling function in society. In addition, political cartoons can encourage the process of opinion formation and decision making as well as provide entertaining perspectives on the news.
Why do historians study political cartoons?
Often political cartoons are used to show an integral opinion of the period that we’re studying, and they can be analysed just as deeply as a written source. Inevitably, cartoons being published now will be used by future historians to study the public perception of current affairs.
What is the earliest political cartoon?
First Political Cartoon Printed. “Join, or Die” is a well-known political cartoon, created by Benjamin Franklin and first published in his Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754. The original publication by the Gazette is the earliest known pictorial representation of colonial union produced by a British colonist in America.
What do political cartoons do?
Political cartoon, a drawing (often including caricature) made for the purpose of conveying editorial commentary on politics, politicians, and current events. Such cartoons play a role in the political discourse of a society that provides for freedom of speech and of the press.
What does political cartoon mean?
A political cartoon, a type of editorial cartoon, is a graphic with caricatures of public figures, expressing the artist’s opinion.