American war-time cartoons provide an engaging and revealing way to understand the history of this country’s military conflicts. Cartoons document the soldier’s experience, make light of government and military decisions, and illustrate the behavior of those on the home front. As opposed to other news forms—articles, essays, and op ed pieces--cartoons were highly visible and wildly accessible. They are the result of a complex relationship between artists, the press, and in some cases, government agencies. From an artistic standpoint, cartoonists made stylish and memorable imagery. This session will include discussion and PowerPoint presentations; and we will also examine first-hand important cartoons as primary sources from the Newberry’s Collection. Participants will come away with an enhanced understanding of America’s wars as they are documented in these sparkling but sober examples of American visual culture.
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