Theodore Seuss Geisel (1904-1991), a life-long cartoonist, was most famous for his
children’s books and least known for his work as a political cartoonist during World War II.
Between 1941 and 1943 he worked as chief editorial cartoonist at the PM Newspaper in
New York, a liberal news publication, during which time he drew over 400 political
cartoons. Illustrated in his typical style and signed Dr. Seuss, the cartoons addressed a
wide range of war-time issues and controversies.
[Source: http://apus-06-07.wikispaces.com/political+cartoons+-+wwII]
What is the main message of the
cartoon?
The “ostriches” are sticking
their heads in the sand as a
way to “hide” from Hitler.
What event, issue or person does
the cartoon refer to or target?
Refers to the United State’s
isolationist policy at the start
of World War II… we are
ignoring the events in Europe.
What is the main message of the
cartoon?
The United States is separated
from the “ills” of Europe.
What event, issue or person does
the cartoon refer to or target?
• Refers to the United State’s
isolationist policy at the start
of World War II… example:
Neutrality Acts
• The “diseases” are the military
dictatorships of Europe in the
1930s.
What is the main message of the
cartoon?
The Neutrality Act is the “Old
Man of the Sea” holding back
aid to Europe.
What event, issue or person does
the cartoon refer to or target?
• Neutrality Act of 1935 which
forbade the transport,
distribution or selling of
supplies or ammunitions to
belligerent nations.
• This cartoon is speaking out
against the Neutrality Act.
What is the main message of these
cartoons?
• In the first cartoon, the “Nazi
bird” is pecking down the
countries of Europe while the
United States avoids
involvement.
• In the second cartoon, “the
appeaser” is trying to give into
the demands of the “sea
monsters.”
What event, issue or person does
the cartoon refer to or target?
• Refers to the United State’s
isolationist policy at the
start of World War II.
• Policy of appeasement:
Hitler and Czechoslovakia.
What is the main message of these
cartoons?
The United States is starting to
offer aid to Europe (Allied
Powers).
What event, issue or person does
the cartoon refer to or target?
•
•
•
•
Cash-and-Carry
The Lend-Lease Act
Destroyers for Bases Deal
Hemispheric Defense Zones
What is the main message of the
cartoon?
A bird labeled “isolationism” is
being hit by a declaration of
war.
What event, issue or person does
the cartoon refer to or target?
•
•
Published in response to the attack
on Pearl Harbor. The attack came
in two waves, each of which was
carefully timed for early morning
on December 7th 1941. The attacks
resulted in over two thousand
casualties and a great deal of
America resentment toward Japan.
The US begins to look past
isolationism and support American
involvement in World War II.
What is the main message of these
cartoons?
To mobilize/support the war
effort.
What event, issue or person does
the cartoon refer to or target?
• Rationing: Blue Points/Red
Points
• War Bonds
What is the main message of the
cartoon?
Fear of Japanese attack in the
United States
What event, issue or person does
the cartoon refer to or target?
• Japanese Internment Camps
• Korematsu vs. US
What is the main message of the
cartoon?
Japanese being “knocked out”
by the Battle of Midway.
What event, issue or person does
the cartoon refer to or target?
• Battle of Midway allowed
the Allied Powers to take
the offensive in the Pacific
• Symbolizes island hopping
strategy to command the
Pacific
What is the main message of the
cartoon?
The United Nations is taking
the offensive against
aggressors.
What event, issue or person does
the cartoon refer to or target?
• The United Nations is an
international peace keep
organization.
• US involvement shows a
change in US foreign policy in
contrast to our noninvolvement in the League of
Nations following World War I.