Analysis of Political Cartoons – Big Business and Labor Unions

 

This assignment will test your research and interpretation skills. Search for political cartoons that comment on the Big Business, working conditions, and Labor Unions from the mid-19th century through the turn of the century. You need to find at least three cartoons coming from each perspective. 

• Which perspective is being displayed in this cartoon? How do you know?
• What was the purpose of this political cartoon? What is the message of the cartoon?
• Who was the target audience?
• Do you find the cartoonist effective in the delivery of their message? Explain your thoughts.

Note:

• Puck Magazine published many political cartoons related to these topics. 
• Joseph Keppler and Thomas Nast were prominent cartoonists of the day.

If you need some direction with getting your analysis started consider using this resource:

• cartoon_analysis_worksheet.pdf