Introduction: Why Political Cartoons Matter in APUSH
Political cartoons are popular sources on the AP U.S. History exam. They test your ability to connect visual evidence to historical events and themes. Unlike essays or speeches, cartoons rely on symbols, exaggeration, and humor to communicate political messages.
This guide will show you how to read, interpret, and use political cartoons effectively on multiple-choice, SAQs, DBQs, and LEQs.
Step 1: Identify the Historical Context
- Place the cartoon in time: What decade, event, or era does it represent?
- Look for clues: clothing, buildings, captions, or labels.
- Ask: What was happening in the U.S. at this moment?
Example: A cartoon with Uncle Sam standing over Cuba (1898) = Spanish-American War era.
Step 2: Look for Symbols and Exaggeration
Political cartoons use symbolism to represent ideas:
- Uncle Sam = United States
- Bear = Russia/Soviet Union
- Eagle = American strength
- Chains = oppression or lack of freedom
- Money bags = big business, greed
Exaggeration (oversized heads, dramatic features) makes the criticism or praise more obvious.
Step 3: Read the Captions and Labels
Most cartoons have short text — a caption, speech bubble, or label.
- Captions give context (but may be sarcastic).
- Labels help identify figures (e.g., “Trusts,” “Congress,” “Germany”).
- Always connect the words to the image.
Step 4: Determine the Author’s Perspective
Cartoons reflect the cartoonist’s opinion:
- Supportive or critical of U.S. policy?
- Conservative or progressive?
- Favoring reform, expansion, or status quo?
Tip: If it mocks politicians, the cartoon is likely critical.
Step 5: Connect the Cartoon to APUSH Themes
The APUSH exam expects you to link cartoons to broader themes:
- Politics and Power (POL): Elections, parties, government.
- America in the World (WOR): Imperialism, wars, diplomacy.
- Economy (WXT): Business, labor, tariffs.
- Culture and Society (CUL): Civil rights, immigration, identity.
👉 RevisionDojo provides practice with historical cartoons, helping you train these connections.
Step 6: Practice with Common APUSH Cartoon Topics
You should expect cartoons on:
- Jacksonian Democracy: Bank War, Indian Removal.
- Civil War & Reconstruction: Secession, freedmen, Reconstruction politics.
- Gilded Age: Monopolies, corruption, labor strikes.
- Imperialism: Spanish-American War, Philippines, global power.
- Progressive Era: Trust-busting, reform movements.
- Cold War: Communism, nuclear weapons, foreign policy.
Step 7: How to Write About Cartoons on the Exam
When answering SAQs or DBQs:
- Identify the message of the cartoon.
- Provide historical context.
- Explain the significance (how it reflects debates, policies, or outcomes).
Formula:
“This cartoon reflects [historical issue] by showing [symbol/figure]. It illustrates [perspective/argument] during [time period].”
Example APUSH Cartoon Analysis
Imagine a cartoon showing big businessmen as fat cats controlling Congress:
- Context: Gilded Age (1870s–1890s).
- Symbols: Fat cats = monopolists; tiny Congress = weak lawmakers.
- Perspective: Critical of corporate power.
- Connection: Relates to calls for antitrust reform and Progressive Era politics.
RevisionDojo Tip
Political cartoons can be tricky, but with practice breakdowns, you’ll get faster. RevisionDojo’s APUSH resources include cartoon analysis drills that mirror real exam prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to memorize specific political cartoons for APUSH?
No — but you should know major eras and debates so you can place cartoons in context.
2. How can I tell if a cartoon is pro- or anti-?
Check for tone: mockery, exaggeration, or sarcasm usually mean criticism.
3. Are political cartoons used in DBQs?
Yes — they’re common as primary sources alongside speeches, articles, and maps.
4. What’s the best way to practice?
Use RevisionDojo’s cartoon analysis practice sets with timed drills.
5. Do cartoons appear in multiple-choice questions?
Yes — expect at least 1–2 cartoon-based questions.
