Show Editorial cartoons provide a window into history by showing us what people were thinking and talking about at a given time and place. Today’s editorial cartoons will provide the same record of our own time.
By Sheryl Weber
Grade:Sophomores, U.S. History Content Standards:During the 1930s, the United States government attempted to distance the country from earlier interventionist policies in the Western Hemisphere as well as retain an isolationist approach to events in Europe and Asia until the beginning of WW II. Duration:One week Learning objectives:
Instructional Steps:
Materials:
Extension activities:Some of Dr. Seuss's books will be brought in and read to the students. We will then compare them to his political cartoons. Such books as The Lorax, Green Eggs and Ham, or The Grinch Stole Christmas. The students will analyze the different books to see if they have any political leanings. The teacher may use other Dr. Seuss books if they wish, they are not tied to the three mentioned above. Students will create their own political cartoons dealing with isolationism in modern times dealing with our staying out of the Middle East. 12. Cartoons used:Creator – Dr. Seuss Tittles – Since When -page 29, Publication – PM, New York newspaper Publication Date April 28, 1941 Description – This cartoon shows a quarter with an ostrich sticking his head in the sand. It is labeled the Lindbergh Quarter, relating to the fact that Charles Lindbergh wanted the United States to stay in isolation. Sources – Dr. Suess Goes to War, author Richard H. Minear 1999 Creator – Dr. Seuss Title – We Always – page 30 Publication – PM, New York newspaper Publication Date – April 29, 1941 Description – This shows a man selling ostrich heads to the public as a reliever for Hitler Headaches. It then shows a man trying out his ostrich head putting it in the sand. Source – Dr. Seuss Goes to War, author Richard H. Minear, 1999 Creator – Dr. Seuss Title – Not Contagious – page 31 Publication – PM, New York newspaper Publication Date – May 15, 1941 Description – Shows Uncle Sam in his own bed with another bed beside him. This bed is labeled Italian mumps, since Uncle Sam is in his own bed he feels that he will not get the mumps and therefore is safe. This refers to the fact that if the United States keeps it isolationist policy we will not have what is happening to countries in Europe happen to us. Source – Dr. Seuss Goes to War, Authir Richard H. Minear, 1999 Creator – Dr. Seuss Title – Ho Hum, page 32 Publication - PM, New York newspaper Publication Date – May 22, 1941 Description – The ostrich with an Uncle Sam hat is sitting in a nest at the top of a tree. There is a woodpecker with a Nazi symbol on it pecking down trees that are labeled as those European countries that have been attacked by Hitler. The ostrich sits as if he will not be leveled because the woodpecker will get tired. He has a this can't happen to me attitude. Source – Dr. Seuss Goes to War, author Richard H. Minear, 1999 Creator – Dr. Seuss Title – Bath Tub, page 33 Publication – PM, New York newspaper Publication Date – May 27, 1941 Description – This shows the ostrich in the bath tub saying he is safe in his home tub. In the bath water are fish labeled with the swastika of Nazi Germany. The ostrich feels since he is home, in the United States noting bad will happen to him. What happens elsewhere has no effect on him. Source – Dr. Seuss Goes to War, author Richard H. Minear, 1999 Creator – Dr. Seuss Title – Isolationist, page 39 Publication – PM, New York newspaper Publication Date – July 16, 1941 Description – This shows a small man who has climbed a mountain to ask the great whale what an isolationist is, how are they defined. The great whale gives a description in the verse Dr. Seuss uses in his books. Source – Dr. Seuss Goes to War, author Richard H. Minear, 1999 Creator – Dr. Seuss Title – Hall of Extinction, page 48 Publication – PM, New York newspaper Publication Date – Nov. 25, 1941 Description – This shows two dinosaur sets of bones and an emaciated ostrich, labeled extinct, looking out in to the museum. The dinosaurs say looks like a new exhibit is coming. Again this refers to our policy of isolationism. Source – Dr. Seuss Goes to War, author Richard H. Minear, 1999 Creator – Dr. Seuss Title – He Never, page 28 Publication – PM, New York newspaper Publication Date – December 8, 1941 Description – It shows the ostrich labeled isolationism flying up into the air after having been blown there by the word war. This is in reference to the bombing of Pearl Harbor the day before by the Japanese. No longer can isolationism be our policy now that the United States has been attacked. We are now in the war whether or not the United States wants to be at war. Source – Dr. Seuss Goes to War, author Richard H. Minear, 1999 |