Political Cartoon

Macarthyism Political Cartoon

Background information

​In the aftermath of World War II, Americans reacted with dismay as relations between the United States and the Soviet Union deteriorated, the Russians imposed communist control over much of Eastern Europe, and China was on the verge of going communist. People worried that communists might try to subvert schools, labor unions, and other institutions. Government agencies and private groups began to look for evidence of subversive activity. In this climate of fear and suspicion, the House Committee on Un-American Activities, which Herb Block had opposed since its inception in the 1930s, became active. For four years McCarthy attacked communism, while in his cartoons Herb Block relentlessly attacked his heavy-handed tactics. In June 1954, McCarthy was censured and in December condemned by the Senate.

Open Ended

This cartoon's title is Fire.

Quickly scan the cartoon. What do you notice first?

By 1949, the Soviets had expanded their control to cover most of Eastern Europe, and it appeared that China would soon fall to the Communists. "The fear-filled forties and fifties were a dark period when the spread of communism abroad increased anxieties and frustration at home," wrote Herb Block. In their zeal to stamp out all signs of subversion in the United States, professional and amateur anti-communists threatened to suppress American liberties as well.

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"Fire!" June 17, 1949. Reproduction from original drawing. Published in the Washington Post (25)

​Fire!

Word Cloud

Are there labels, descriptions, thoughts, or dialogue? Observe its parts. List the people, objects, and places in the cartoon. List the actions or activities.

Open Ended

What emotions do you feel are portrayed in this cartoon?

Poll

Which symbol is the most significant?

• fire/torch

• Ladder

• Hand

• The Man

• The Bucket of Water

Open Ended

What do you think the symbols stood for in this image?

​Directions ....

I will pass out a worksheet you can complete with a partner. You will select one of the political cartoons from the link on the next slide, and, as a team, you will answer the questions together about one of the political cartoons you all choose to analyze.

“Fire!” - Herblock's History: Political Cartoons from the Crash to the Millennium | Exhibitions - Library of Congress

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