Skip to Main Content
A satirical engraving depicting a chaotic scene of a duel in a formal setting, with spectators observing.
Portraits of two historical figures, one with gray hair and the other with a dark coat holding a book.
Political caricature depicting figures in period clothing engaging in a humorous scene about property and nationality.
Cartoon depicting Irish immigrants by Thomas Nast, published in Harper's Weekly, 1871.

Political Cartoon Activities Playlist

19 items

A satirical engraving depicting a chaotic scene of a duel in a formal setting, with spectators observing.
Cartoon Analysis: Congressional Pugilists, 1798
Activity

Activity

40 Min

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.
Portraits of two historical figures, one with gray hair and the other with a dark coat holding a book.
Cartoon Analysis: The Presidential Election of 1824
Activity

Activity

40 Min

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.
Political caricature depicting figures in period clothing engaging in a humorous scene about property and nationality.
Cartoon Analysis: Property Protected—à la Françoise, 1798
Activity

Activity

40 Min

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.
Cartoon depicting Irish immigrants by Thomas Nast, published in Harper's Weekly, 1871.
Handout C: Cartoons on Immigration in the 1800s
Activity

Activity

Cartoon depicting Lincoln and a caricatured figure repairing a map of the United States to symbolize Union restoration.
Cartoon Analysis: The “Rail Splitter” at Work Repairing the Union, 1865
Activity

Activity

40 Min

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.
An illustration depicting a man standing with his arms outstretched, wearing torn clothing, against a textured background.
Cartoon Analysis: Thomas Nast on Reconstruction, 1869–1874
Activity

Activity

40 Min

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.
Cartoon of a rotund man with a dollar sign for a head, captioned about Tammany's victory at a convention.
Cartoon Analysis: Thomas Nast Takes on “Boss” Tweed, 1871
Activity

Activity

40 Min

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.
A caricature of Uncle Sam speaking to an immigrant at a gateway, depicting issues of immigration and nationality.
Cartoon Analysis: Immigration in the Gilded Age, 1882–1896
Activity

Activity

40 Min

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.
Handout with directions for discussing Thomas Nast's political cartoons on Boss Tweed, featuring a cartoon image.
Handout C: Thomas Nast Cartoons on Boss Tweed
Activity

Activity

A political cartoon depicting a man digging a canal on a map highlighting North and South America.
Cartoon Analysis: A Lesson for Anti-Expansionists, Victor Gillam, 1899
Activity

Activity

40 Min

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.
Presidents and the Constitution Handout C Political Cartoon Analysis (Treaty of Versailles)
Handout C: Political Cartoon Analysis (Treaty of Versailles)
Activity

Activity

A woman stands at the base of a stairway labeled with various occupations, symbolizing social mobility and opportunity.
Cartoon Analysis: Elmer Andrews Bushnell, “The Sky Is Now Her Limit,” 1920
Activity

Activity

40 Min

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.
Political cartoon depicting a woman served resources by three servants symbolizing colonies.
Mercantilism Cartoon Analysis Image
Activity

Activity

A warm-up activity to introduce students to the economic system of mercantilism.
Cartoon illustration of a man on a rocket labeled "STAR WARS PROGRAMS," surrounded by money bags and dollar signs.
Herblock, Cartoons of Ronald Reagan, 1984–1987
Activity

Activity

40 Min

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.
Political cartoon titled "The Age of Brass" by Currier & Ives, depicting a political scene from 1869.
Political Cartoon Analysis
Activity

Activity

A hand placing a resignation letter on a table, with a small hand reaching for it.
Herblock, Watergate Cartoons, 1973–1974
Activity

Activity

40 Min

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.
Worksheet titled "Analyze a Cartoon," featuring sections for observations on words and visuals.
Cartoon Analysis Worksheet
Activity

Activity

Presidents and the Constitution Handout C Herblock Watergate Cartoons
Handout C: Herblock Watergate Cartoons
Activity

Activity

A political cartoon depicting a man riding in a cart pulled by a horse, with dialogue about inaction.
Handout C: Political Cartoons
Activity

Activity