Guided Primary Source Analysis: The Kidnappers

The kidnappers
Mayer, Henry. “The kidnappers.” Illus. in: Puck, v. 76, no. 1953 (1914 August 8), centerfold. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

There are 7 scenes in this political cartoon; take a look at them in greater detail in this .pdf document. What do they all have in common? Review the summary from the bibliographic record. What more did you learn?

The cartoon’s center scene featuring Theodore Roosevelt could be viewed right side up or upside down. How does the perspective of the scene change when you view it upside down as compared to right side up?

Click the links below to read an historic newspaper article and a letter to the editor concerning Theodore Roosevelt and the Republican party. What new insights into this political cartoon do these texts give you?

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