Name:
Period:
Date:
American Revolutionary War: Political Cartoons
Political cartoons were an important tool for propaganda* in the 18th century and they are still
used today. Even people who can't read can understand cartoons. The use of humor also helps to
get a controversial message across.
* Propaganda is the use of media to further your cause or hurt another group's cause.*
This cartoon was created by Benjamin Franklin and published in his Pennsylvania Gazette in 1754. New England was shown as
one segment. What do you think the snake represents? This cartoon quickly became a symbol of freedom during the war.
Poor Old England endeavoring to reclaim his wicked American children.
What is the message of this cartoon?
What is the point of view of author?
How could a different point of view change the meaning of the cartoon?
This art-cartoon by Paul Revere is called: The Bloody Massacre Perpetuated in King St, Boston, on March 5, 1770 by a part of
the 29th regiment. How might this picture have influenced colonial people's opinions?
.
Political Cartoons Project
Due: __________________
Assignment: Create a political cartoon on one of the following American
Revolution topics:
The Shot Heard ‘Round the World, The Olive Branch Petition, Minutemen, Commander George
Washington, Common Sense, The Declaration of Independence, The Battle of Saratoga, Washington
Crossing the Delaware, Valley Forge, Victory at Yorktown, Commander Gates feeding his troops
molasses and cornmeal, Help from Europe, Francis Marion, The Treaty of Paris.
Your cartoon should include point of view, symbolic representation, labels, captions, etc.
The Political Cartoon assignment is worth 30 points.( Please see the Political Cartoon Rubric). Although
artistic ability will not be graded, neatness will be graded.
Your grade will be severely reduced if your project is not turned in on _____________________
Sample Rubric:
Political Cartoons Project
Name:
Project Title:
Date:
Criteria
Excellent (10)
Good (8)
Adequate (5)
Inadequate
(2)
Issue and
Subject Matter
Shows clear
understanding
of political
concept/issue
Student’s point
of view is
clearly
conveyed
Text and
graphics are
clearly legible
and
outstandingly
presented
Shows
understanding
of political
concept/issue
Student’s
viewpoint is
discernible
Shows some
understanding
of political
concept/issue
Student’s
viewpoint is
marginally
conveyed
Text and
graphics are
somewhat
legible
5 points
Shows no
understanding
of political
concept/issue
Student’s point
of view is
poorly
conveyed
Text and
graphics are
illegible
2 points
Way Topic is
Covered
Visual
Presentation
Text and
graphics are
legible and
neatly
presented
Total Points: _____/30
.
Teacher Comments:
.