Ever since the first political cartoons were published in American newspapers in the 1750s, they have influenced political debates. With their frequently vitriolic depictions of politicians like Richard Nixon, prominent cartoonists like Herblock and others became "enemies" of their "victims." Concerned about the effect his depiction by Thomas Nast might have, corrupt Boss Tweed supposedly declared: "Stop them damned pictures. I don't care so much what the papers say about me. My constituents don't know how to read, but they can't help seeing them damned pictures." In this class we will analyze and discuss political cartoons since the mid 18th century.
- Teacher: Andreas Etges