Suggestions for educators

This Web site may be used to teach students about Thomas Nast, the nineteenth century’s most influential cartoonist. Biographical information about Nast is available as well as information about cartoon symbols he popularized and selections of his work accompanied by brief explanations of their historical context.

Why are editorial cartoons still published today?

Why do cartoonists use symbols?

Why is caricature important in editorial cartoons?

Why are stereotypes used by cartoonists?

 

For ideas on using current editorial cartoons in the classroom, see:

The Opper Project: Using Editorial Cartoons to Teach History

Cartoons for the Classroom (AAEC)

Daryl Cagle’s Professional Cartoonists Index: Teachers’ Guide