Political cartoons give historians an idea of what newspapers and their readers were thinking about political actions. Below are pictures of John A. MacDonald (Canada's first Prime Minister), and a selection that revolve around the annexation vs. confederation debate.
John A. MacDonald
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JOHN A -- "I don't know, but it seems to me this picture of yours my prophetic friend, needs a little 're-adjustment.' Don't it, hey?"
(from image)YOUNG CANADA -- "We don't want you here."JOHN BULL -- "That's right, my son. No matter what comes, an empty house is better than such a tenant as that."
The project of an all-rail route from the Atlantic to the Pacific on Canadian territory had begun to be put forth. The incredulity attributed to Uncle Sam in the cartoon was fully shared by many more immediately interested parties. The year 1886, however, saw the feat accomplished.
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MISS CANADA -- "This is what we want, cousin Jonathan. It will give us real independence and stop the foolish talk about annexation."
JONATHAN -- "Wal, Miss, I guess you're about right that; but I'll believe it when I see it."
John A. MacDonald
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JOHN A -- "I don't know, but it seems to me this picture of yours my prophetic friend, needs a little 're-adjustment.' Don't it, hey?"
"O, Our Prophetic Soul!"
© Public Domain
Source: A caricature history of Canadian politics : events from the union of 1841, as illustrated by cartoons from "Grip" and various other sources by J. W. Bengough, With an introd. by Rev. Grant, Toronto, Grip Print. and Pub. Co., 1886. - Toronto : P. Martin Associates, 1974
Annexation vs. Confederation
"Uncle Sam Kicked Out".
© Public Domain
Source: A Caricature History of Canadian Politics by J. W. A. Bengough, Vol. 1&2, Toronto: The Grip Printing & Publishing Co., 1886
The project of an all-rail route from the Atlantic to the Pacific on Canadian territory had begun to be put forth. The incredulity attributed to Uncle Sam in the cartoon was fully shared by many more immediately interested parties. The year 1886, however, saw the feat accomplished.
(from image)
MISS CANADA -- "This is what we want, cousin Jonathan. It will give us real independence and stop the foolish talk about annexation."
JONATHAN -- "Wal, Miss, I guess you're about right that; but I'll believe it when I see it."
"From Halifax to Vancouver".
© Public Domain
Source: A Caricature History of Canadian Politics by J. W. A. Bengough, Vol. 1&2, Toronto: The Grip Printing & Publishing Co., 1886
Upper and Lower Canada will be consumed by Confederation or Annexation. Abraham Lincoln intends to devour turkeys and cooks alike (1865).
© Public Domain
Source: Great Canadian political cartoons, 1820 to 1914 by Charles and Cynthia Hou, Vancouver : Moody's Lookout Press, 1997
Reflection
For each cartoon, write you thoughts on who may have drawn the picture.
Why did the artist decide to capture the politician in this way?