Mexican-American War Political Cartoons

The Mexican War

Political Cartoons

Essential Question:

How did the different cartoonists reflect the feelings and mood of the American people and politicians during the Mexican War?

Brief Introduction:

After defeating Henry Clay in the election of 1844 on a platform of Manifest Destiny, President Polk did not hesitate in his efforts to expand the boundaries of the United States. Although many Americans felt that we should annex Texas, Polk also wanted to purchase the territory of California from Mexico for $25 million. When the Mexicans turned down his offer and when the Mexicans also went north to defend their boundary with the new state of Texas, which they had only felt was a territory in revolt before it gained statehood, conflict was inevitable. Many Whig politicians considered the war just an excuse to gain more states for slavery while other politicians felt that this was a truly justifiable and necessary war.

Key Terms: Palo Alto, Manifest Destiny, amputation, infection, flying artillery, James K. Polk, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, Zackary Taylor. .

Procedure:

• Define key terms.
• After reviewing the cartoons below, choose whichever 5 illustrations you would like to work with in more detail.
• Using the Cartoon Analysis Questions, complete all questions per illustration 
• Be prepared to turn in Monday November 27th

Cartoon Analysis Questions

1. List the objects or people you see in the cartoon.
2. Identify the cartoon caption and/or title.
3. Locate three words or phrases used by the cartoonist to identify objects or people within the cartoon.
4. Record any important dates or numbers that appear in the cartoon.
5. Which of the objects on your list are symbols?
6. Which words or phrases in the cartoon appear to be the most significant? Why do you think so?
7. List adjectives that describe the emotions portrayed in the cartoon.
8. What do you think each symbol means?
9. Describe the action taking place in the cartoon.
10. Explain how the words in the cartoon clarify the symbols.
11. Explain the message of the cartoon.
12. What special interest groups would agree/disagree with the cartoon's message? Why?

 CARTOON #1 (Battle of Palo Alto, May 13, 1846)

 CARTOON #2 (Battle of Palo Alto, May 13, 1846)

 CARTOON #3 (Battle of Palo Alto, May 13, 1846)

CARTOON #4 (1846) 

 CARTOON #5 (Daniel Webster & President Polk, May, 1846)

 CARTOON #6 ( Henry Clay being two faced, November, 1847)

CARTOON #7 (Zackary Taylor for President, 1848)