5 Political Cartoons That Define Manifest Destiny

In the mid-19th century, the concept of Manifest Destiny came to shape the political and cultural landscape of the United States, urging the expansion across the continent. Political cartoons from this period vividly encapsulate the ethos of the time, often portraying the United States as a burgeoning power with a divine right to expand its influence and territory. Here are five influential political cartoons that provide insight into the notion of Manifest Destiny:

1. "American Progress" by John Gast

🖼️ Iconic Representation

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="American Progress by John Gast" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=American+Progress+John+Gast"> </div>

This 1872 painting by John Gast is often mistakenly referred to as a political cartoon but embodies the very essence of Manifest Destiny. "American Progress" illustrates the westward expansion of the United States, symbolized by a female figure, Columbia, who carries the light of civilization. The painting is laden with symbolism:

• The Book: Columbia holds a schoolbook, symbolizing education and enlightenment.
• The Telegraph Wire: She is surrounded by telegraph wires stretching into the wilderness, representing technological advancement.
• Indigenous Peoples: Native Americans are depicted fleeing westward, highlighting the displacement caused by this expansion.

Key Takeaways:

• Manifest Destiny Ideals: The painting explicitly endorses the expansionist ideology by portraying westward movement as a civilizing force.
• Dramatic Juxtaposition: The light versus darkness imagery underscores the perceived moral and cultural superiority of the expanding nation.

<p class="pro-note">🌟 Note: While not a cartoon, "American Progress" captures the spirit of Manifest Destiny and its depiction was widely reproduced in newspapers and periodicals, making it an essential part of the visual rhetoric of the time.</p>

2. "The Way the Wind Blows" by Henry Buchholz

🌊 Political Winds

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="The Way the Wind Blows by Henry Buchholz" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=The+Way+the+Wind+Blows+Henry+Buchholz"> </div>

This 1846 cartoon by Henry Buchholz in The Lancaster Examiner shows Uncle Sam sailing westward, aided by a strong wind named "Manifest Destiny."

Elements of the Cartoon:

• Uncle Sam: As the symbol of the United States, he confidently pilots the ship labeled 'Young America' across an ocean of opposition from neighboring nations like Mexico and Britain.
• Direction and Movement: The westward movement of the ship underscores the inexorable pull of expansion.

Analysis:

• Critique of European Influence: It subtly criticizes foreign interference in American affairs.
• National Expansion: The cartoon endorses the idea that expansion is not only inevitable but also divinely ordained.

3. "The Great West" by Henry Meyer

🏞️ Land of Opportunity

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="The Great West by Henry Meyer" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=The+Great+West+Henry+Meyer"> </div>

Published in the mid-1860s, "The Great West" by Henry Meyer depicts the vast American landscape with a settler family in the foreground, gazing westward.

Notable Features:

• Panoramic View: The sweeping landscape signifies boundless opportunities.
• Contrast: A small figure of a Native American warrior is placed in the far distance, symbolizing the imminent change and displacement.

Key Interpretations:

• Promise of Expansion: It portrays the land as a canvas for American progress.
• Native American Narrative: The placement of the warrior suggests an acknowledgment of the existing inhabitants but with a focus on their eventual overshadowing by settler culture.

<p class="pro-note">🌍 Note: The placement of Native Americans in these cartoons often serves to illustrate the 'before and after' effect of Manifest Destiny, though usually from the perspective of settlers.</p>

4. "Columbia's Easter Bonnet" by Unknown Artist

🎩 National Pride

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Columbia's Easter Bonnet by Unknown Artist" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Columbia's+Easter+Bonnet"> </div>

This cartoon from the 1890s features Columbia, again as the symbol of America, proudly wearing an oversized Easter bonnet labeled 'The Philippines'.

Elements and Themes:

• Imperialist Expansion: The bonnet signifies the annexation of the Philippines, suggesting the US's expansionism had now become a form of global empire-building.
• The Sun and Stars: These elements in the background convey the idea that Manifest Destiny's light has now extended to the world stage.

Implications:

• Transition: Shows a shift from continental to overseas expansion, aligning with the later phases of American imperialism.

5. "The Colossus of the Pacific" by Thomas Nast

🌊 Naval Might

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="The Colossus of the Pacific by Thomas Nast" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=The+Colossus+of+the+Pacific+Thomas+Nast"> </div>

Thomas Nast, in 1881, illustrated "The Colossus of the Pacific", portraying Uncle Sam standing astride the Pacific Ocean with his hands grasping the coastlines of Asia and America.

Symbolism:

• Control over the Pacific: It represents American ambitions in the Pacific region.
• Sun: A rising sun over the Pacific indicates the beginning of American dominance.

Key Interpretations:

• Global Ambition: It reflects the shift from domestic expansion to an international power dynamic.
• Manifest Destiny on the World Stage: The US is depicted as a giant among nations, with Manifest Destiny extending beyond its borders.

In conclusion, these political cartoons vividly illustrate how the idea of Manifest Destiny was not only a belief but also a visual rhetoric used to promote and justify the expansion of the United States. From domestic growth to international ambitions, each cartoon provides a snapshot of an era where the American narrative was intertwined with themes of progress, civilization, and divine right. They served as propaganda tools that not only reflected public sentiment but also shaped it, encouraging the belief in the moral righteousness of American expansion.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is Manifest Destiny?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Manifest Destiny was the belief during the 19th century that the United States was ordained by God to expand its borders across North America and eventually beyond.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How did political cartoons influence public opinion on Manifest Destiny?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Political cartoons were a powerful tool for shaping public opinion by visually communicating complex ideas in a digestible format. They often portrayed expansion as a heroic and inevitable process, influencing viewers' perceptions and support for territorial growth.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Did Native Americans have any representation in these cartoons?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, Native Americans were occasionally depicted, often in a way that highlighted their perceived 'doom' or displacement in the face of American expansion. However, their portrayal was usually minimal and from a settler's perspective.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why were some cartoons critical of Manifest Destiny?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Not all political cartoons supported Manifest Destiny. Some were critical, highlighting the moral, ethical, and human rights issues associated with expansion, including the displacement of Native Americans and the annexation of territories like the Philippines.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>