Abstract

This paper analyzes political cartoons from Thomas Nast and Joseph Keppler from the late 1860s through the mid-1880s. It argues that through use of effective symbolism and memorable illustrations, these cartoonists created and popularized caricatures of politicians, laborers, Irish Catholics, African Americans, and women that validated stereotypical views of the late nineteenth century and influenced later historical interpretations of the era. Analyzing the Nast and Keppler cartoons as significant historical resources rather than as interesting illustrations for historical monographs reveals the layers of literacy, social and political thought present in the drawings that the readers of the day would have readily understood. Caricatures deeply grounded in English and German literature as well as the most offensive stereotypes demonstrate the complexity of 19th century American views in a nation emerging from civil war and entering modernity. An analysis of more than a thousand cartoons within the cultural, and literary contexts in which they were produced suggests the need for greater attention to these underutilized data sources. The 19th century political cartoons should be viewed as a shaping factor when studying popular images of people in the late 19th century, their memorable depictions of contentious political and social issues, and their role in the struggle for rights and status in a rapidly changing country. This study uses increased critical analysis of political cartoons which allows them to become a more central source in supporting historical hypotheses.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2020

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Lester, Connie

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Department

History

Degree Program

History

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0008318; DP0023755

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0023755

Language

English

Release Date

12-15-2021

Length of Campus-only Access

1 year

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Included in

History Commons

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