political cartoons

Cartoons, whether in animated or print form, are a part of the daily lives of millions of people throughout the world. They encompass a broad range of subject matter that can be humorous or serious, realistic or fanciful, purely entertaining or bitingly satiric. People of all ages and backgrounds enjoy some form of cartoons.

political cartoons

The greatest political cartoonist of the late 19th century was Thomas Nast. Noted for his cartoon crusades against political corruption in the United States, Nast also popularized the symbols of the country's major political parties-the Republican elephant and the Democratic donkey. (See also Nast, Thomas; for Nast cartoons, see political party.)

political cartoons

The use of pictures to tell stories and to record experiences began in prehistoric times when history's first recorded artists drew pictures on the walls of caves. In the sculptural and decorative arts of ancient cultures, such as those of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, the pictorial narrative was used to record historical events, the lives of important people, and legends. (See also communication; Egypt, ancient; Greek and Roman art.)

Cartooning in the United States began during the colonial period. The early American cartoons, like the European, dealt with political and public issues. Benjamin Franklin is credited with creating the first American political cartoon.

political cartoons

political cartoons