MAH/Raffel
Reconstruction through the Political Cartoons of Thomas Nast
Historical Context: Thomas Nast was one of the best-known political cartoonists in
the United States during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. Nast’s work
appeared regularly in Harper’s Weekly, one of the leading magazines of the time.
As a cartoonist, Nast developed the modern image of Santa Claus, the Republican
elephant and the Democratic donkey. Nast’s cartoons all express a strong point of
view. Although some of his drawings here are unfair, Nast wanted to make people
angry so that they would take action.
Interpretation Guidelines: Certain key symbols appear regularly in Nast’s work.
• The flag represents the ideals of our democratic country.
• Columbia—a tall young woman represents the United States (instead of
Uncle Sam)
• The skeleton symbolized death. So does the skull and crossbones.
As you interpret these cartoons, remember that the text underneath the drawing
helps determine the meaning.
Cartoon#55/Title:________________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________________________
A. Who is the woman?
B. Who do the white men represent?
C. Who does the black man represent?
D. What event was occurring at this time in Reconstruction? (Refer to the date
and your notes.)
E. Summarize the meaning of this cartoon in 1-2 sentences.
Cartoon #57 Title:_______________________________________________
Date:_________________________________________________________
F. Describe the scene occurring in the left side of the cartoon.
G. What major document is shown in between the pictures? Why is it there?
H. What scene is occurring on the right side of the cartoon? Why is Columbia
blindfolded?
I. Looking at the bottom center of the cartoon, how does Nast explain what is
going on with the scenes he depicts?
J. Looking at the top of the cartoon, what is Nast’s solution to the images he
presents?
K. Summarize the meaning of this cartoon in 1-2 sentences.
Cartoon #27/Title:_______________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________________________
L. Describe the facial features and dress of the man on the left.
M. Who might the man on the left represent? Is the author sympathetic or
unsympathetic toward this group?
N. Look at the man in the middle. What is meant by the “Lost Cause?”
O. What do the initials CSA stand for?
P. What is the man on the right holding? Who is he supposed to represent?
Q. Why is the American flag on the ground next to the African-American man?
R. What is occurring in the back of this cartoon?
S. Summarize this cartoon in 1-2 sentences.
Cartoon#59/Title:_______________________________________________
Date:___ ______________________________________________________
T. Who is shaking hands in the picture?
U. What words appear above the skull/crossbones and the handshake?
V. What words appear below the skull/crossbones?
W. Describe the family in the picture.
X. What is taking place behind the family?
Y. Summarize this cartoon in 2 sentences.
Cartoon #218 Title:_______________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________________________
Z. Explain the action occurring in the front and back of this cartoon:
AA. Did Nast consider Reconstruction to be a success or a failure? Explain.
SUMMARY QUESTIONS:
1. Using at least four specific details from two cartoons explain whether Nast
supports or opposes Andrew Johnson’s reconstruction plans.
2. According to Nast, was Reconstruction a success or a failure? Explain, using
details from 2-3 cartoons.