The Civil War

Northern and Southern states argued whether they should have a strong central government or strong state governments. As a result, the South seceded from the United States and war was declared between the North and the South in 1861. This main disagreement over the government was fueled by arguments over whether new territories should have slaves.

Many caricatures were created by the North and South ridiculing the leaders of the opposition, portraying them as cruel and foolish. they were also used to rally the troops and instill fighting spirit.

Also, many caricatures were created by the famous publishing firm of that time, Currier and Ives, founded by Nathaniel Currier and James Merrit Ives. Currier and Ives produced scenes anything that suited the general public. they were so popular, they even had to send catalogues of blank pictures for schools to use for painting classes.

The Civil War

The Great Depression

World War II

The Cold War

BREAKING THAT "BACKBONE"
Benjamin Day; published by Currier & Ives, September 1862.
Text from left to right:
Poster: J. DAVIS' SHOW. GREAT SOUTHERN GYASCUTIS. STIFFEST BACK-BONE EVER GROWN. CANT BE BROKEN.
Poster: ONLY 10 000 MEN AND $1000 000 IN TREASURE PER CRACK. STEP UP AND TRY YOUR MUSCLE.

Figures and text from left to right:
Jefferson Davis with Gyascutis labeled REBELLION on chain.
Defeated, seated figure with small hammer labeled COMPROMISE.
Henry W. Halleck wields mallet labeled SKILL.
George McClellan wields mallet labeled STRATEGY.
Edwin M. Stanton holds mallet labeled DRAFT. Lincoln shoulders an axe labeled EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION.

Stanton: Halleck may use his skill and Mac his strategy, but this draft will do the business.
Lincoln: You can try him with that, but I'm afraid this axe of mine is the only thing that will fetch him.

Four important Northern leaders are trying to break a backbone labeled rebellion. Each is trying to break the backbone with his mallet, therefore breaking the rebellion.