15 Examples of Civil War Propaganda Illustrations & Political Satire
?
1 like?3,800 views
The American Civil War began April 12, 1861 and ended on May 9, 1865. That’s 4 years, 27 days -- or 1,488 days -- in which our nation was embroiled in controversy over the usage of slavery. The controversy was no ordinary dispute or disagreement. Instead, it was an all out war where 620,000 soldiers reportedly died from combat, accident, starvation, and disease during the Civil War. This regretful period of our nation’s history, despite its atrocities and harrowing bloodbaths, gave rise to a new era of illustrators and political satirists who used their talents to either inform the masses or help sway public opinion. This presentation, which showcases 15 Civil War-era illustrations worth noting, was researched, assembled, and written by MFA of Illustration graduate student Mayra Ruiz-McPherson.
15 Examples of Civil War Propaganda Illustrations & Political Satire
- 1. Civil War Propaganda & Political Satire By Mayra Ruiz-McPherson GLA 629 OL1: 150 Years of American Illustration
- 2. Introduction The American Civil War began April 12, 1861 and ended on May 9, 1865. That’s 4 years, 27 days -- or 1,488 days -- in which our nation was embroiled in controversy over the usage of slavery. This controversy was no ordinary dispute or disagreement. Instead, it was an all out war where 620,000 soldiers reportedly died from combat, accident, starvation, and disease during the Civil War1 . This regretful period of our nation’s history, despite its atrocities and harrowing bloodbaths, gave rise to a new era of illustrators and political satirists who used their talents to either inform the masses or help sway public opinion. This presentation showcases 15 Civil War-era illustrations worth noting. 1 Source: Civil War Trust (https://www.civilwar.org/learn/articles/civil-war-facts)
- 3. “On the last platform” This illustration shows Jeff Davis hanging from a noose. So who is Jeff Davis? And why is he labeled here as “President” in quotes? The answer: Jeff Davis is actually pro-slavery advocate Jefferson Finis Davis, the first and only President of the Confederate States of America, elected for a six-year term in 1862. In this clearly anti-slavery movement illustration, Davis is depicted as the murderous Roman emperor Nero, the last emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.
- 4. More Jeff Davis ... It’s clear Jeff Davis inspired pro-Union illustrators because he was often the subject of lampooning and constant ridicule, as shown in this illustration to the left. We can see Davis is absurdly drawn, shown sobbing like a baby and resembling a clown. Source Civil War Propaganda Scrapbooks, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
- 5. More Jeff Davis ... Southern “Ass-stock Crazy” Another pro-Union illustration mocking Confederate culture. The donkey symbol exacerbates the ridicule, and the witty copywriting is the satirized cherry on top! Source Civil War Propaganda Scrapbooks, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
- 6. A Contrast of Two American “Presidents” The striking differences between Confederacy President Jeff Davis and Union/American President Abraham Lincoln are visually and sharply depicted in this Civil War-era illustration. Every detail in this image is dripping with a polar opposite message. And the differences are deeply significant and diametrically opposed values and beliefs fueling the conflict.
- 7. #SlaverySarcasm This pro-Union illustration sharply chastises the very act of slavery, which requires beloved families to be separated because they are sold off to others. The visual tragedy of this act is reinforced by the image’s biting caption.
- 8. Pillow Talk What could possibly be inside a head made from a pillow? Whatever that answer could be, surely “a brain” would not be the first thing that comes to mind. More like feathers or cotton stuffing, but not a brain. That seems to be the intention of this next Civil War illustration, geniously drawn to humiliate and poke great fun of wealthy Confederate General Gideon Johnson Pillow. Unfortunately for the “pillowed” General, his last name of Pillow was a constant source of satirical illustration for pro-Union illustrators.
- 9. Diabolically Divine Slavery is akin to the Devil. And anyone pro-slavery is aligned with Satan. That’s the clear message gleaned from this pro-Union illustration, showing a southern clergymen teaching a sermon but painted as one that’s been corrupt by demoralizing values and diabolical affiliations.
- 10. Southern “Hospitality” There’s no eloquence at the end of a cracking whip, and that’s the strong message conveyed by this illustration, spotlighting the despicable act of slavery whipping of “the Sunny South.” The slave’s silently painful grimace speaks volumes and speaks to his sense of anguish, pain, and inexcusable torture.
- 11. Snake Killers: WANTED Hawks are adept, agile hunters who prey on smaller game, including snakes. Therefore, the alignment of this military recruitment poster aligning pro-Union patriotism with “smaller game” and vermin -- like those Confederate snakes -- makes perfect visual and messaging sense!
- 12. And even more snakes ... This illustration seeps in pro-Confederate symbolism. The copperhead snakes represent Clement Laird Vallandigham, leader of the "Copperheads," and his supporters. The snakes attack Lincoln and several emancipated slaves. The many surrounding quotes and captions satire pro-Union positions and values.
- 13. Anti-Negro Suffrage This poster urges pro-Confederate types to “read the platforms” of those in Congress to understand WHO is for “The White Man” and who is on “the Negro side.” The strong encouragement for awareness on learning whose political agenda is for negro suffrage is the emphasis of this visual message.
- 14. Union Confidence In this satirical cartoon, Union commander Winfield Scott awaits for Confederate President Jeff Davis to crawl out of his “hole” (in this case, Richmond, Virginia). All the while, he’s stepping on the two fox tails, each fox representing Confederate generals Beauregard and Pillow.
- 15. Buffooned “Leaders” During the Civil War, all Copperheads were called Democrats, but not all Democrats were Copperheads. In this poster, “leaders of the Democratic party” are depicted in ridiculous caricature and sarcastic descriptions poking fun at those figures’ personalities and reputations.
- 16. “Jeff in Petticoats” It is believed Davis fled Richmond and escaped Union capture dressed in his wife’s petticoat. As a result, he eventually became the subject of more ridicule at the hands of illustrators who mocked his cowardly deed.
- 17. The Petticoat Sequel Here’s another visual take on the imminent capture and subsequent escape of Confederate President Jeff Davis, dressed as a woman to evade Union soldiers.
- 18. Conclusion Illustration during the Civil War was key in helping to reinforce each side’s opposing views and opinions. The many sketches and drawings, with their infused wit and biting satire, helped to influence minds and shape hearts during one of America’s most bloodiest eras in history.
- 19. About this presentation This presentation was researched, assembled, and written by MFA of Illustration graduate student Mayra Ruiz-McPherson. Background Mayra has 20+ years digital marketing, advertising, creative direction, and communications experience. As a Sr. Digital Strategist and independent marketing consultant. Mayra works with clients, brands, agencies, and organizations to transform all aspects of their digital business initiatives. Academic Journey Mayra is concurrently pursuing an Illustration MFA through the Academy of Arts University as well as a second master’s degree in Media Psychology via Fielding Graduate University. Mayra Ruiz-McPherson Sr. Digital & Creative Strategist
- 20. Digital Transformation Search | Social | Mobile Transmedia Storytelling Pictorial Strategy Ideation & Theming Digital Illustration Visual Essays Interface Design Branding & Identity 703.798.2619 | @TheDStrategist mayra@ruizmcpherson.com ruizmcpherson.com