Guided Primary Source Analysis: Goal!

Without knowing any background information, do you think this political cartoon is positive or negative? Why?

Now do some research by following the links below and answer the questions.

• Links
  • Taft vs. Bryan Presidential Election of 1908: select newspaper articles
  • Wilson vs. Roosevelt vs. Taft Presidential Election of 1912: select newspaper articles
• Questions
  • Who were the final candidates in the 1908 election and who won?
  • What were some of the issues raised in the 1908 campaign?
  • Who ran in the 1912 election and who won?
  • What were some of the issues raised in the 1912 campaign?
  • How might this political cartoon have changed given the circumstances in 1912?

Who were the candidates in the most recent presidential election campaign? Read some contemporary newspaper articles from different ends of the political spectrum (use this Media Bias chart to help you). Create a political cartoon that provides a commentary on one aspect of the campaign; the cartoon may focus on a single candidate or may provide a contrast between candidates.

What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know!