Running for Office--Cartoons of Clifford K. Berryman

Creator: The National Archives | visit site

Grade Range: 6 - 11

Each Presidential election cycle brings with it a new crop of political cartoons and caricatures of politicians. Clifford K. Berryman drew political cartoons at the turn of the 20th century and US Presidents from Grover Cleveland to Harry Truman. This site profiles both the cartoons themselves, and the issues and personalities behind the cartoons. Visually attractive, the site also permits downloading cartoons so they can be printed and studied. rn<br><br>rnAs an important primary source, political cartoons provide an important insight into the issues and controversies of their time period. More than simply who did what, and what happened where, these drawings show us the emotions and conflict involved in the ugly and messy business of politics.

In the Classroom

Students can gain insight into the events of the first half of the 20th century as well as draw parallels between the issues of that time and today. How are Presidential campaigns different and how are they similar? Challenge students to create their own political comics using one of TeachersFirst’s many comic/cartoon tools <a href="/spectopics/comics.cfm">reviewed here</a>.

At Home

During election season, take a look at these political cartoons from long ago. Try to draw a caricature or cartoon that relates to our current political situation.

Tags

comics and cartoons, elections, presidents, politics,

Subjects

American History, Government/Civics: U.S, History & Culture: The Americas, Social Studies, Social Studies,