French Revolution Teacher Guide/ Activity #3: Political Cartoons
Background:
The era that Napoleon dominated France and Europe was also know for the continuing development of mass media – specifically newspapers. The cartoons used in this activity were all published in European newspapers in the early 19th century. They are amazing primary sources. For citation purposes, the cartoons used in this example came from the
The Brown University Center for Digital Scholarship: Napoleonic Satires.
Task: Students need to complete two separate tasks in this assignment: one analytical, one creative. The analysis piece involves deciphering the message of the cartoon. The symbols and events depicted in each cartoon require a solid understanding of Napoleon’s role in French history. Students should be directed to explain the symbols identified by red arrows in each of the cartoons.
The creative element involves using storyboard art to create a political cartoon that 1.) tackles a current social/political/economic issue. 2.) Uses the same general approach that the French Revolution cartoon in the first and second cell uses. Refer to the example in the top row of the storyboard.
Extensions:
This activity can be extended in a number of ways. Students could be assigned the task of locating and analyzing current political cartoons/satires. Students could also build a storyboard collection of political cartoons or satires from each unit of study, ie Industrial Revolution, World War I etc…
Текст на Статията
Caption: Three Plagues of Europe
Primary Source Cartoon
Both Britain and France are Problematic...
Interpretation
Violence, Drugs, and Poverty
Storyboard Cartoon
Will work for food
The Turbulent Mr. Fight All, The Honorable Mr. Tax All, and the Worshipfull Mr. Take All
Napoleon on Elba
The 1st figure is Napoleon - depicted as a violent war monger, the 2nd figure is British Prime Minister, William Pitt - shown with hand on hip admonishing Napoleon. The final figure is the devil - perhaps appearing because the actions of the first two are worthy of his notice.
Each figure represents a social problem in the United States. The nicknames for each social problem are based on the Napoleonic cartoon in the first cell.
Mr. Shoot Them up.
Three Plagues of the USA
Mr. Shoot Me up.
Mr. "Shoot! I'm broke"
Napoleon sits on the island of Elba staring across the sea at the mainland.
The Plumb Pudding in Danger
After the battle of Trafalgar, Napoleon and William Pitt sit down to "their plumb pudding" dessert. In this case the dessert is the globe.
The Final Pacification of Europe
Napoleon is being hanged (something that never actually happened to him) while other figures celebrate with musical instruments in the background.