Overview

Known as the father of political cartoons, no other artist wielded more power in influencing public opinion of the American political scene than Thomas Nast during the 19th century. Thomas Nast defined American political cartoons in the decades following the Civil War. His illustrations popularized icons such as the Republican elephant, the Democratic donkey, and even the modern image of Santa Claus. In the mid-nineteenth century, America was a land full of newly arrived immigrants coming to New York City to work and live. Many did not know how to read or write English. Political cartoons were a very big and powerful way to reach out to people and express ideas and beliefs about the government and the way of the world. Thomas Nast became a voice of justice through his political cartoons. He became famous for his depictions of the Civil War, his political party illustrations, and even helped develop the now-popular image of jolly old Saint Nick. But his biggest battle came in his own hometown, where he decided to go up against William Boss Tweed and his Tammany Hall collaborators-notoriously crooked leaders of New York City, bribing and laundering money into their own overstuffed pockets. Though they tried, Nast was never intimidated by threats and he never backed down, even when his life was threatened. Through his political cartoons, he made a difference, and it helped bring the Tweed Ring to justice. Thomas Nast: Political Cartoonist illustrates the power of art and conviction and the journey of this American icon.

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