This article originally appeared in the Election print issue, in stands November 2024. It has not been updated and some information may be out of date.
Satirical cartoons continue to serve as powerful tools for political commentary. Since their start in the 18th century, political cartoons have constantly evolved with the world, allowing artists to vocalize views and influence public opinion through exaggeration and humor.
Early Political Cartoons: A Tool for Political Expression
The origin of political cartoons, a tradition that remains relevant to this day, can be traced back to 1754, when Benjamin Franklin created the well-known “Join or Die” woodcut. The cartoon, featured in The Pennsylvania Gazette, a prominent newspaper throughout the colonial era, depicts a woodcut snake split into eight pieces, each accompanied by one of the colonies’ initials — with N.E. signifying the four New England colonies. At the bottom, the words “Join or Die” fill the space. The cartoon’s main goal was to unite the colonists during the French and Indian War, or the Seven Years’ War, primarily fought by Britain and France.
The visual of a snake is common in political cartoons from the 18th century, symbolizing the American colonies. In 1782, James Gillray, a British caricaturist and printmaker, created “The American Rattle Snake,” a satirical cartoon published by William Richardson. The detailed drawing features a rattlesnake wrapping around surrendering British soldiers. The rattlesnake’s tail holds up a sign with the words “An Apartment to lett for Military Gentlemen.” At the same time, its tongue reads, “Two British Armies I have thus Burgoyn’d, And room for more I’ve got behind,” emphasizing America’s successes during the Revolutionary War.
The same year as “The American Rattlesnake,” J. Barrow published and created “The British Lion Engaging Four Powers,” featuring a rattlesnake alongside a spaniel, pug and chicken. The four species represent America, Spain, the Netherlands and France facing against Britain — a strong and confident lion. The cartoon illustrated the challenges put on Britain, including American rebels.
The Use of Satirical Comedy in Modern Politics
Political cartoons, a staple of today’s media, continue entertaining and engaging readers. They are featured in nationwide publications like The Washington Post and local publications like The Salt Lake Tribune. Their use is the same as it has always been: to provide insight and persuade readers, often through humor and satire.
With the recent 2024 election, cartoons surrounding the candidates and policies are easy targets for satirical drawings. Matt Wuerker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist, drew a cartoon for POLITICO captioned “The Cat Came Back.” The drawing shows a large cat towering over the White House as it claws its way in. The cat is Donald Trump. On the body of the cat are words such as “Felonies,” “Impeachments” and “Lies,” all words that select people use to describe Trump.
Commentary on the United States election spread worldwide. People were talking about it nearly everywhere, and opinions differed. Many were vocal about their views and unafraid to argue with those who disagreed. Steve Breen, another editorial cartoonist and Pulitzer Prize winner displayed this in his “Extinct” cartoon. In a three-lineup, viewers see a dodo bird, a saber-tooth tiger and a voting booth captioned “drama-free U.S. elections.” The word “extinct” hovers over the objects, implying that the idea of a drama-free U.S. election no longer exists.
Inside the Mind of Pat Bagley
Pat Bagley is an editorial cartoonist for The Salt Lake Tribune and has worked there since 1979. His work is consistently published on The Salt Lake Tribune’s site. He puts a lot of thought into what he draws.
“My first consideration in choosing a topic is ‘Does anyone care?’ But more importantly, should we care?” Bagley said. “Climate change is a good example. Everyone should care because it affects all of us. It concerns me that a lot of Americans don’t care. So that’s where I go. Perhaps the right cartoon can change someone’s mind for the better.” Picking topics that matter to a myriad of viewers is important to Bagley.
Comedic cartoons have a significant impact and the power to persuade.
“Humor is a way to get you in the door. People are then more open to listening. A funny cartoon disarms. Years ago, I showed my Mormon Tabernacle Choir neighbor a cartoon. He laughed out loud. Then he furrowed his brow and said, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t be laughing at this,'” Bagley said.
Political cartoons remain a consistent and influential political expression as the world evolves and its politics change. Their clever commentary and unique drawings challenge the norm while making viewers laugh.
