APUSH 2011. Harry S. Truman 1945-1953 This cartoon pokes fun at Truman as he comes into office following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s sudden death amidst

APUSH 2011

Harry S. Truman 1945-1953

This cartoon pokes fun at Truman as he comes into office following Franklin D. Roosevelts sudden death amidst WWII. He attempts to play piano from sheet music labeled, Foreign Policy and says, Ive never had a lesson in my life. This suggests that he had no idea what he was doing coming into office. I, however, disagree with this cartoon, for I feel that Truman was very considerate and logical in his thinking regarding the war and foreign policy.

This cartoon pictures President Harry S Truman on a beach looking scared to get in the water. The water is filled with sharks that say Cold War, Budget, Defense, and Economics. This is just one of many cartoons that suggests Truman was scared to deal with the big issues concerning American. I disagree again because I feel he had a lot on his plate with WWII and handled it well.

This cartoon expresses the feelings occurring as Dewey began to take the lead in the presidential race. Roosevelt looks on the rising statistics against him. This cartoon is entertaining because Roosevelt never lost an election. In fact, he serving the longest time as president in American history.

Joseph McCarthy, though more influential during Eisenhowers administration, began his painting of the country red with Communist accusations under Truman. Here, an artists predicts that he will soon paint himself into a corner, a very undesirable situation. I like this cartoon because the artists prediction was correct in saying McCarthy would isolate himself. He did so by attacking the U.S. Army.

In this cartoon, Uncle Sam is portrayed as a farmer pointing a gun at Graft, Waste, and Corruption as he protects his chickens under the coop of Aid to Greece and Turkey. This relates to the Truman Doctrine which asked Congress for aid to Greece and Turkey from rising Communist influences. This taps into the civilian fear that a good thing, aid to those in need, would be undermined by corruption and waste. Uncle Sam represents the government and its job to protect such things from happening. I like this cartoon because it gets the point across and works toward a positive effect.

Dwight D Eisenhower 1953-1961

Peace and Liberty This cartoon represents the growing tensions between the American people and the Soviets. A Soviet soldier is shown standing aggressively in front of many attack planes and Stalin. Stalin, Russias leader until his death in 1953, is pictured standing on the graves of those he killed. This cartoon achieves its goal of putting forth a negative image to be associated with Soviet Union. Because I personally find Communism and Stalins methods too violent, I understand the purpose of this cartoon.

This cartoon pictures Dulles, the Secretary of State, attempting to cram Joseph McCarthy, leader of the Red Scare of the 1950s, into a drawer. McCarthy was responsible for the accusation of hundreds of innocent people and chaos and mistrust within the government. Dulles is, therefore, trying to shut him away in order to lessen the Red Scare and its effects on the public. I really like this cartoon because it uses a comedic image and phrase that still maintains to accomplish the goal of portraying the frustration the government felt in containing the Red Scare.

This cartoon pictures Joseph McCarthy burning away his doctored photos and faked letters that made him famous. He had accused many of being secret Communists planning to overthrow the American government. This represent the downfall of McCarthy in 1953 as he attacked the good ol American Army and as the intimidating Communist leader Stalin died. Because I dont really like McCarthy or McCarthyism whatsoever, I like this cartoon representing his downfall and exposure.

This Republican cartoon portrays Eisenhower coming into the presidency scared of the McCarthyism and red paint that were waiting. His supporters (Taft, Gabrielson, and Bridges) are shown pushing him towards the platform, but he resists by questioning, You mean Im supposed to stand on that? This cartoon does a great job at illustrating the problems Eisenhower faced when entering office. For that reason, I respect this cartoon even though I find it mediocre.

"RelaxHe Hasn't Got To You Yet." This Herblock cartoon attacks Joseph McCarthy and his attacks on different departments of the government. McCarthyism escalated under Eisenhowers administration as Joseph McCarthy claimed to have a list of 208 government officials who were closeted Communists. The different governmental departments are represented by people with the associated label. Those departments which he had already attacked have been stabbed, and those he had yet to reach were waiting in anguish. His current target, the army, is being violently held by McCarthy, knife in hand. This cartoon certainly gets across the fear and negativity associated with McCarthy during his fifteen minutes of fame, and for that reason, I like this cartoon.

Now Its Just A Question Of Whose Kind Of Peace This is yet another cartoon that works to criticize Eisenhowers strength in foreign policy. It was under Eisenhower that the Cold War reached a new level of competitiveness as the Soviet Union launched the first satellite, Sputnik, in 1957. Eisenhower is characterized in a small boat in the middle of the ocean appearing lost and without much direction. The motor, which controls the route of the boat, is labeled the power of the presidency suggesting that things could go either way. I understand the uncertainty involved in the direction Eisenhower would take the Cold War, but I disagree with the criticism that he faced. This is because any president could go any way. The people dont always know for sure what decisions the president will make.

And All This Time I Was Hoping Youd Speak Up This cartoon refers to the decision in Brown v Board of Education of Topeka that segregation could not be equal. This overturning of Plessey v Ferguson was a huge step for civil rights. Eisenhower, however, was sphinx-like in the aspect that he wanted to take things slower in order to avoid violence over desegregation. This cartoon most obviously shows this point of view. This cartoon is quite simple, but it gets the point across that Eisenhower was moving much slower than many people wanted. I partially agree with this cartoon because I believe I would have been a civil-rights advocate, but I understand Eisenhowers caution in taking such a large step.

The Helicopter Era This final Eisenhower cartoon criticizes the president in suggesting Eisenhower flew right over the issues Americans were facing. The artist does this by portraying Eisenhower in a helicopter cruising casually over many people demanding for reform. The signs and flags say things such as: aid to education, foreign aid, civil rights, and budget. These represent the popular concerns under his presidency. I do understand how the people could think that President Eisenhower didnt accomplish much, but as a student of history, I disagree. President Eisenhower had one huge accomplishment: The Interstate Highway Act of 1956.

John F Kennedy 1961-1963

This cartoon portrays US President John F Kennedy arm wrestling Soviet Union leader Nikita Khrushchev. Both are sitting on hydrogen bombs linked to the other leaders detonation button. This sums up the tension and agony felt during the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis under Kennedy. At any minute, one of the leaders (representing his entire country) could press his button killing the other. I believe the arm wrestling is also an attempt to create a pun for the arms race that was underway, as well. I like the simplicity of this cartoon and its success at portraying the feeling of the time under Kennedy and Khrushchev.

Isnt There Some Way To Blow The Hatch On These Things? This Herblock cartoon makes a comparison of a tragic event to Kennedys sinking administration. Astronaut Gus Grissom had a near-death experience as his capsule crashed in the ocean and the hatch got stuck. He nearly drowned. This relates to Kennedys failing administration after his plea for a Department of Urban Affairs and Housing was denied. Many politicians thought his upcoming bills would also be rejected. His several rejected programs are shown as different sinking buildings as Kennedy looks on, hopeless. I dont like the use of a near tragic event to the rejection of a bill. I feel it takes away some of the integrity of Grissom and his team.

Were Sure Overcoming That Old Reputation of Being the Colossus of the North This cartoon is one that chastises JFK for failing to take a stronger stand in Latin America. Four governments were taken over in seven months, and four more were in danger of following in their footsteps. While Latin American takeover is portrayed in the back of the picture, President Kennedy, McGeorge Bundy (national security advisor), and Edwin McCammon Martin (assistant secretary for Latin American affairs) are shown in the forefront relaxing in bunny costumes. I do enjoy this cartoon because it portrays a point of view and manages to put politicians that commoners have a formal view of in an amusing costume.

Lyndon B Johnson 1963-1969

Watch That Carpet, Fella This Herblock illustration shows President Lyndon B Johnson trying to catch the ashes of the War before they destroyed the Great Society Program rug. Though slightly confusing, with research I can see that this cartoon is meant to criticize LBJ for shifting his focus from the War on Poverty to the actual war in Asia. Because Im not sure where my stand on the Vietnam War would have been, Im not sure what my take on this cartoon is. I do, however, believe that the Great Society programs seem to have been a really positive thing for Americans that shouldnt have been ignored.

Did The Music Man Say When Our Instruments and Uniforms Are Coming? I absolutely enjoy this cartoon as it criticizes Lyndon B Johnson for abandoning his Great Society programs for concentrating on the costly and highly unsuccessful Vietnam War. The different Great Society programs are characterized as musicians without their instruments and uniforms. They question when the Music Man will bring them making a reference to the con man in The Music Man, who promised a lot, but delivered little. This cartoon may be a little harsh in reference to Johnson, but I prefer it over the previous cartoon. Both had the same intentions, but I understood the analogy in this one much more easily.

Backlash This cartoon is yet another portraying the frustration that mounted as war costs killed the Great Society programs by drawing in funds. This illustration literally shows Johnson with the sword of war costs accidentally cutting of the head of the Great Society. This cartoon doesnt really amuse me because I feel the humor is somewhat juvenile and unattractive. It does, however, add to a long list of cartoons against Johnsons shifted focus which helps to understand just how much it was disagreed with.

Looking for Flaws This political cartoon illustrates President Lyndon B Johnson looking carefully at a missile labeled defense costs with a jewelers eye. The title indicates that he is looking for flaws. This cartoon manages to encompass everything that was occurring under Johnson: the Cold War, the arms race, the Vietnam War, and the rising costs that accompanied all of it. For that reason, I applaud this cartoon.

.Sh! After a While Theyll Go Away This cartoon is a rather positive one of Johnson, if still criticizing a member of his cabinet. The cartoonist, Baldy, shows Eisenhower attempting to rescue the drowning Poverty and Discrimination in the ocean with life savers. A member of his cabinet, however, attempts to change his mind and says that theyll go away eventually. I thoroughly appreciate a different perspective on Johnson and his intention. I do wonder if Johnson is supposed to be resisting or slowly agreeing with his cabinet member, though.

Richard Nixon 1969-1974

You One of Those Extremists Who Thinks Its Time For Desegregation? Herblock was known to be bias against Nixon at times, and this feeling was expressed in the creation of this cartoon. Nixon had a mixed view on discrimination and desegregation. Here, he is shown standing in front of a black girl attempting to attend a desegregated school with a briefcase labeled 15 years since the Supreme Court decision. This relates to the decision of Brown V Board of Education of Topeka which called for the desegregation of schools. Nixon is portrayed as someone who deliberately delays something that had been decided on 15 years earlier. I like that Herblock calls out the government by pointing out how long it has been since the Supreme Court made the decision to desegregate and how at the time, issues were still present.

LookNice TapesOkay, Boy? Okay? I like this cartoon because Nixons Watergate Scandal gave the illustrator a chance to reuse his infamous bloodhound that had been tracking Nixon since 1954. He had never cared for him much. Nixon is shown being pursued by a bloodhound who is only being kept content by bones labeled with the names of people who had helped Nixon cover up his scandals. These were the officials who took the blame first. I like the imagery and metaphor put forth with the use of the dog, the bones, and the cowardly Nixon.

Forward This cartoon is one of many that deals with the Watergate Scandal concerning President Nixon. After several reports were published, a stunned public lost faith in their leader. Nixon is shown beating a dead horse, a saying meaning that someone is working on a lost cause. Here, the horse represents credibility. This together is meant to suggest that Nixons credibility was lost, and there was no use it attempting to save it. What was done was done. I like this cartoon because its uses a common idiom that fits perfectly with the situation.

This cartoon is a rarity in that it is one that applauds Nixon. His face is shown turning into a globe to show the Soviet Union and Russia. This represents his visits to the Communist nations in order to ease the tensions of the Cold War. I like this cartoon because its very original. Ive never come across a cartoon of this style and involving no words. For that, I like this cartoon.

Taped This cartoon illustrates the use of taping and wiretapping of Americans under suspicion before the Watergate Scandal erupted. This criticizes the government for invading the privacy of civilians and compares the people to mummies, for they are unable to speak or move. Its an interesting comparison between mummies and those private conversations and activities have been recorded, but it does make sense in an odd sort of way.

"Now, as I was saying four years ago" This is a cartoon against Nixon, but not for his famous scandal. Instead, this criticizes his foreign policy. In his 1968 campaign, he claimed to have a secret plan to end the Vietnam war, but four years later, he had yet to remove troops. Since then, 20,000 Americans had died. This reflects the feelings of the many protesting Americans in a numerical sense that I can understand having lived thirty years later. For such reasons, this cartoon gets a ten out of ten rating for capturing the feeling of the era in a political cartoon.

Gerald Ford 1974-1977

Were Moving Right Along This cartoon is about as simple as Gerald Fords presidency. He only gained the title of president after Nixon was forced to resign after a number of infamous scandals. Ford only held the office for about two years, and his administration was plagued with economic problems leftover from the Vietnam War. Ford is shown going to hell in a hand basket, an idiom meaning that everything was just going horribly wrong. This cartoon is really just boring, and thats all Ive got to say about that.

You Wanted To Have It Behind Us, And Thats Just Where It Is This cartoon is another which demonstrates the bias against Nixon, but this time, it is reflected upon Ford. The bloodhound that infamously followed Nixon and his scandals is here shown following Ford. This is because Ford pardoned Nixon. I dont like the transfer of guilt from Nixon to Ford because I understand Fords reasoning behind his actions. He felt that putting the Nixon scandals behind was best for the nation, and I agree. Although justice wasnt exactly served, America had lost its trust its leaders and by avoiding a conviction of Nixon, the gap wouldnt become any wider.

Jimmy Carter 1977-1981

Thats All There Is Left This cartoon makes a reference to November 4 th, 1979 when an Iranian student took American hostages. President Carter became obsessed with guaranteeing a safe return for the Americans and spent much of his presidency focused around it. The hostages were released on Inauguration Day and the Iranian refused to talk with the President until it became Reagan. This was a huge smack in the face for Carter. The cartoon shows how much effort Carter had put into the hostage situation in comparison with how much time he had left in office by using an hourglass. This shows the frustration and struggle that President Carter was faced with. This cartoon is very sad for me because I feel bad for Carter and his situation with the Iranians.

Dear Congress This cartoon shows Carter with a gas pump to his head, held like a gun, with a sort of hostage letter above. In this letter, Carter begs Congress to give in to the Saudi Arabian government. This is meant to criticize the way he handled the Saudi Arabian governments demands for weapons in exchange for oil. Many were upset that Carter acted so feebly and gave in to an enemy of one of their close allies, Israel. I think cartoon is quite humorous and clever with the use of the hostage situation and the gas pump as a gun. For such reasons, I love this cartoon though it could have gone too far.

This Time It Vanished Quite Slowly This cartoon alludes to the disappearing Cheshire Cat featured in Lewis Carrolls Alice In Wonderland. Many were disappointed that Carters promises seemed to disappear. Some of this included a fifty-dollar tax rebate, full employment, and health insurance. This things were written on the cats body and tail with Carter and his big smile replacing the familiar face of the Cheshire Cat. This accurately characterized the frustration many Democrats felt as their leader and his strength seemed to disappear. I like this cartoon for its literary reference to a book many would recognize.

Im Going To Give It To You Straight Carters presidency was characterized by economic troubles and internal chaos. He was welcomed into office by declining productivity, much unemployment, high inflation, and high interest rates. Oil shortages and rising gas prices, as a result of the war in the Middle East, also contributed to economic unrest. Soon, Carter and his economic policy makers began disagreeing on nearly everything. This created a sense of chaos within the White House. The public felt like their President was clueless as to what to do to improve the economy, which is what is simply represented in this cartoon. This cartoon is a little too simple for me, but I do like the fact that the patient he doesnt know how to treat is named inflation.

Ronald Reagan 1981-1989

Father of Nuclear Freeze The term nuclear freeze is here used to describe Reagans rhetoric and his policies towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Many felt that his increased spending on weapon research and production would halt or decline any positive relations with the Soviet Union. I understand this concern because I do not understand the reason for an increased spending on nuclear weapon production. At this point in time, the Cold War was still amidst, but the Soviet Union was not the biggest threat to the United States. I feel that the war and violence occurring in the Middle East would be the center of the military production, not nuclear production for the Cold War.

Through the Looking Glass This is another of Her Blocks cartoon that reference well-known segments of Lewis Carrolls Alice In Wonderland. He uses the looking glass to mean a television, which Alice looks through. The world she sees in the book through the looking glass is make believe suggesting that Reagan was in a sense make believe or all-show. Her Blocks point of view shown in this cartoon suggests that he felt Reagan was simply a good speaker and charismatic man, not someone who actually had a plan. This cartoon is clever with its comparison, but the actual little girl against the television reminds me of a horror movie, The Poltergeist.

Onward! This cartoon illustrates the promise of Reagans that he would increase military spending as he had in his first term. The creation of the Strategic Defense Initiative, nicknamed the Star Wars, sparked a little kidding around when it came to Reagan and his intentions. He felt that lasers and space defense was the next level of war tactics, but many scientists disagreed with the capability of creating such things. This cartoon shows a man attempting to fly with flaps on his arms and on a unicycle. This ridiculous attempt pokes fun at Reagan and his hopes for galactic defense. This cartoon saddens me because Reagan really had hopes for such weapons, but many just called it wild.

Eh? This cartoon draws upon the Iran-Contra Scandal in which Reagan was accused of signing a deal to illegally sell weapons to Iran. He claims to have no recollection of the event. He also was involved somewhat of a war with Nicaragua which was basically kept secret from the public. These two things are represented in this cartoon as Reagan pushes the secret war against Nicaragua upon a plane and claims not to hear a man concerned about violating the Congress. I like this cartoon because it doesnt directly accuse Reagan of anything, but it points out the doubt surrounding Nicaragua and the Iron-Contra Scandal.

This cartoon references the release of a long-term American hostage by an Iranian group on November 2, 1986. It was reported that the hostage was releases in exchange of spare military parts to Iran. Reagan claimed such accounts were inaccurate. This cartoon shows that the President the people see on television could easily be doing other things since he is usually only viewed from the chest-up. This is a nice observation that sums up the mistrust that was present under Reagan. I agree with Reagan in that he also stated that such stories would make it more difficult to rescue the remainder of the American hostages in Iran.

This is a negative cartoon towards Reagan comparing him to previous presidents who were loved in the majority and left famous and honorable quotes in history. After the Iran-Contra Scandal, Reagan admitted, Mistakes were made, and this, though it did not directly accuse anyone including himself, meant that the government was a little to blame. His portrait is hung next to those of Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman. I like this cartoon because it highlights previous politics and uses what Americans see as success in the presidency to see what Reagan had done. I also like the humor added with the juvenile words placed after Reagans quote.

Peoples Republic This cartoon makes a reference to the Tiananmen Square incident of early June in 1989. Chinese people were protesting in the Square when the government sent in military troops. This ended in a sort of massacre violating the natural freedoms that Americans adore so much. This cartoon simply shows the tanks running over the dead bodies, adorned with bullet-holes. Though this was an illustration of a real situation as opposed to a cartoon, the title of Peoples Republic makes this interesting. China is called the Peoples Republic, but the interesting thing here is that the people were brutally killed by the government. I find the name to not match up with the incident as Her Block expressed here.

The Gods Are Angry This cartoon is one dealing with Reaganomics, or Ronald Reagans economic policy. Though during his elections he called for tax cuts and assistance to those in need, his focus seemed to be on the wealthy. Their wealth increased even further under Reagan, while the welfare programs stayed stagnate. Part of this is due to the fact that Reagan put leaders in charge of welfare and similar programs that he knew would not accomplish much of anything. I like the comparison to the wealthy to the mythological gods who were filthy rich as well, but did little. The people, represented by the small human, are left to suffer. This is represented by the lightning bolt.

George H W Bush 1989-1993

Iraqi Freedom Fighters This cartoon refers to the first Iraqi War during which the United States supported the civilians in favor of overthrowing their leader, Saddam Hussein. When US troops first entered, they crushed any opponents in their way. When the Iraqi Freedom Fighters, those the US supported, rebelled against Hussein, they were brutally killed. Many Americans were furious that their soldiers would let such a thing happen. This cartoon represents the Iraqi lives lost during the rebellion without US support. I dont especially like the graphics of this cartoon because the dripping blood is a little too much for me. I feel the point could have been portrayed in another way.

Hi There! This cartoon references the attempts made by President George H. W. Bush to be seen as a regular guy. Because of his experience at Yale, his image was that of a scholar gentry. His southern upbringing and many military missions were overlooked. Bush was said to shake hands and slap backs of those at lunch counters in order to appear more common. This cartoon simply shows that as Bush speaks casually, but adds in, How about a splash of tea, men? I really like this cartoon because I not only like the attempt of Bush to come off as a regular guy, but the wit provided with the words said by Bush in the cartoon.

Anyhow, It Got Us Across This Her Block cartoon is about Bushs presidential campaign and the criticism that he did not follow through with his promises. His famous slogan was No New Taxes, but once in office, he was forced to cut and adjust the economy. He went back on his word, and many Democrats called him a liar. This cartoon portrays his quote as a road that barely got him across the canyon, or through the presidential campaign. I like this cartoon because it points out inefficiently Bush worked with the economy and his campaign promises.

This illustration simply shows leaving President George HW Bush handing over a set of keys to a destroyed, old car to incoming Bill Clinton. In the case, the car most obviously represents the nation and what poor shape Bush had put it in, especially economically. Though very simple, this cartoon manages to encompass what Bush was leaving behind and what challenges Clinton was inheriting with the presidency.

Bill Clinton 1993-2001

Response to Ethnic Cleansing This political cartoon expresses the artists response to ethnic cleansing and genocide occurring in Bosnia under Bill Clinton. Many were angered over the UN Bill that favored those in power in Bosnia. The upset is reflected in this cartoon as Clinton washes his hands as murder is being committed in the background. The blame placed onto Clinton is unfortunate, and for that, this cartoon isnt a favorite of mine. The lack of creativity and humor loses my attention.

This cartoon basically has no other purpose than to criticize the rambling that Clinton became famous for during his administration. He here claims he opposed the war from the beginning, then continues by contradicting himself and making a somewhat juvenile statement. This does deal with the real issue of the Iraqi War, but it honestly just pokes fun at the President. Im okay with that. I laughed when I read this, and sometimes, thats the only purpose in political cartoons.

This cartoon emphasizes what everybody remembers about Bill Clinton: that he was impeached. Clinton is satirized and drawn as a young boy opening a Christmas gift. The present, however, is a sweater with an I for impeachment. The tag indicates it is from the U.S. House of Representatives. Though Clinton was acquitted by the Senate, he was technically removed from office by the House of Representatives. I do like this cartoon for the child-like portrayal of the president and the adorableness of his impeachment sweater.

This cartoon shows the difficulty involved in physically and thoroughly removing a president from office. Both Andrew Jackson and Bill Clinton have been impeached by the House of Representatives, but neither was ever removed from his office. Here, Clinton is shown gripping onto the presidential desk as two workers attempt to pry him from it. This cartoon is funny and manages to reference his impeachment and acquittal.

This political cartoon references the popular saying of athletes that comes after a big win: Im going to Disneyland! A reporter is shown asking Clinton what he plans to do after his big win, his acquittal. He then offers the famous saying with wife Hilary in arm. This cartoon is one of my favorites because the reference to popular culture fits perfectly with the acquittal of Clinton.

This cartoon criticizes the Senate for the acquittal of President Bill Clinton by using the idiom sweeping it under the rug meaning to let something unjust go. Here, the Senate literally sweeps the perjury and obstruction of justice dirt under a rug with a sweeper and a helicopter. I like the idiom use here and the graphics of the Senate.

This illustration shows Clinton in a farm of budget surplus as he claims he likes tax cuts. He begins to resolve this statement with a but. This references the very good economic situation he had created and the frustration of Americans that he had yet to initiate tax cuts. This cartoon also suggests that Clinton would dance around the subject and avoid actually taking action. Though I dont really understand the purpose of using a farm setting, I like this cartoon for the use of speech.

State of the President This cartoon characterizes the end of Clintons administration. The charges that followed his scandals are represented by the mud that is dirtying his legs and distracting from his briefcase and newspaper representing his upcoming State of the Union address. The title cleverly suggests that the people were more interested in the state of the President that in the State of the Union address. I really like the title of this because it sums up the publics interest and the affairs of Clinton at the time.

George W Bush 2001-2009

This cartoon successfully pokes fun at George W. Bush by using the crisis in the European country of Georgia under his administration. Russia invaded the country of the same name of our southern state. The response to the mentioning of Georgia prompts the cartoon Bush to reference the state of Alabama suggesting he was unaware there was a country named Georgia. Though, at the time, I did not know Georgia was a country, the President of the United States should know foreign nations. I like this cartoon a lot.

This cartoon shows Bush admitting his mistakes and characterizes them as domestic policy and foreign policy. These two things are basically what makes up the presidency suggesting he messed up everything. I laugh at this cartoon, but I refuse to place all the blame for the mistakes of the Iraqi War on the President because everything he did was approved by Congress. As the sole figure of America, he unfortunately does get most of the blame and cartoons such as these are produced.

This cartoon makes fun of President Bush and the mistakes made in the Iraqi War. He stands on top of a soldier drowning in the Iraq water with crocodiles on either side. Bush himself is above water and therefore, okay. He lightly claims, Its not so bad. This portrays Bush as not the brightest crayon in the box and slightly ignorant as to the troubles the soldiers were truly facing. This could be because the war was so far away, but either way, this cartoon was created to make fun of Bush.

This cartoon again criticizes Bush and places everything during his administration on his shoulders. He is blamed for the loss of Bin Laden, the Iraq War, the war in Afghanistan, failing in the entire world, the illegal torture of prisoners of war, a failing economy, and the environment as a whole. The only success listed is that he avoided a shoe thrown at him during a public speech. Though I dont agree that all of those things were necessarily his fault, I find it funny that the artist included the incident in which a shoe was thrown at the President of the United States.

This cartoon criticizes Bushs attention that was paid to the Iraq War as opposed to childrens health insurance by portraying him offering anything to the war, but nothing to the child at a bar. Spending was increased militarily, and I doubt the trend was continued for childrens health insurance during the wartime. This cartoon is really only entertaining because the president is drawn as a drunken sailor.

This cartoon shows Bush with a missile in the Middle East questioning where he should strike next. He seems to have already destroyed Iraq, referencing the excess of violence during the Iraq War. He references the missile as a means of spreading peace, but seems to have no legitimate plan as to where to go next. This shows the uneasy feeling of the public regarding Bush and his next moves. It also makes fun of the belief of many that the president was a little loopy. I like the set up of this cartoon.

This cartoon shows Bush on the beach building a castle of the things he believes he will be remembered for. These things, however, arent exactly positive. Nevertheless, he thinks he will be compared to Harry Truman, the president responsible for the creation of the United Nations, the Marshall Plan, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This cartoon is kind of sad because Bush feels accomplished, but in comparison, he really isnt. I like the comparison between Truman and Bush because it is unexpected but still thought-provoking.

This final George W Bush cartoon summarizes the publics opinions regarding the failures or successes of the Iraq War after five years. The only things shown here is the death of 4,000 Americans, the Shiite, the Sunni, and three trillion dollars. Soldiers suggest wood would be an appropriate gift for the five year anniversary because of the all the wood needed to make coffins for the deaths and failures associated with the war. This cartoon is a very good one in my opinion because it encompasses everything the public thought and felt in regards to the Iraq War after five years.

Barack H Obama 2009-Incumbent

This cartoon criticizes Barack Obama during his campaign for the presidency. Though he originally stated that he would only accept public financing of his campaign, he soon changed his mind and accepted all financing. This made the public wonder what else he would flip flop on. Though he did change his mind on this one thing, he did manage to get elected. Though this cartoon shows a valid questioning of Obama, I followed the election closely and failed to hear of this.

This cartoon references what many felt should be Obamas campaign slogan, Im not him. This refers to the leaving President Bush. The majority of the public was beyond unsatisfied with Bush and his conduct of many aspects of the government. Because Obama was simply so different from Bush, he gained followers. This cartoon really emphasizes something Barack Obama had going for him that was just luck. I like this cartoon because I lived through hearing this slogan.

Favorite. Cartoon. Ever. This cartoon shows presidential candidate Obama fist bumping the Lincoln Memorial statue. The use of a fist bump indicates the casual style that Obama became so popular for, especially for the vast majority of the younger generation. He admittedly listens to rap music and enjoys dancing, two other characteristics that made him more appealing to young adults. I like this cartoon the best because it points out the importance of a people feeling comfortable with their president in office. This lets the people trust their leader more easily.

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APUSH 2011. Harry S. Truman 1945-1953 This cartoon pokes fun at Truman as he comes into office following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s sudden death amidst