World War I
World War I is when you can see a vast change in the meanings of cartoons. During the first World War, cartoons were used to not only show the same characteristics as previous cartoons but also to create a sense of pride and passion with the country. Cartoonists used this time of grief and fear to gain support behind the efforts of The United States.
**This cartoon to the left depicts World War I President Woodrow Wilson. In his left hand is a newspaper with headlines "American Ships Sunk Without Warning: American Lives Lost." In his right hand, he begins to draft a Declaration of War. This cartoon was used to bring up the idea of war to the American people.
More cartoons like this began to surface during war time. The purpose of these cartoons was to gain awareness. Certainly no one was excited for war but the cartoons helped to show that it may be necessary to fight for what we believe in as free citizens. Soon cartoons started popping up showing the enemy and asking for citizens to donate or enlist, to do whatever was necessary for your country. Cartoon became propaganda. This was the first major shift in how we view political cartoons today. The wartime cartoons are meant to gain support and change peoples view points about subjects that were previously unmentioned.
**This cartoon to the left depicts World War I President Woodrow Wilson. In his left hand is a newspaper with headlines "American Ships Sunk Without Warning: American Lives Lost." In his right hand, he begins to draft a Declaration of War. This cartoon was used to bring up the idea of war to the American people.
More cartoons like this began to surface during war time. The purpose of these cartoons was to gain awareness. Certainly no one was excited for war but the cartoons helped to show that it may be necessary to fight for what we believe in as free citizens. Soon cartoons started popping up showing the enemy and asking for citizens to donate or enlist, to do whatever was necessary for your country. Cartoon became propaganda. This was the first major shift in how we view political cartoons today. The wartime cartoons are meant to gain support and change peoples view points about subjects that were previously unmentioned.