Cartoons and World War II
The decisions made throughout the 20th century in the United States affected the lives of Americans both positively and negatively. One of the most significant events that occurred during the 20th century was the World Wars, prominently the World War II. The United States, twenty-three years later, was involved, yet again, in another World War. Theodor Seuss Geisel, famously known as Dr. Seuss, was an author and a cartoonist during the 20th century. Geisel, best known as the writer of beloved children's books, took a different measure by addressing his opinions on political matters through cartoons. His political cartoons captured the major events that occurred during his lifetime, including the Second War. One of …show more content…
The Treaty of Versailles humiliated the Axis, or Germany, Italy, and Japan. However, the Germans took the blame and were responsible for "more than $33 billion in damages” (Roark 594). The United States, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union "sought to avoid future wars" (Roark 664) but were unsuccessful. Just twenty years following the signing of the treaty, the Axis rose to power in Europe and Asia. Two years after World War II broke out, the United States broke its policy of neutrality when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. With "more than 2,400 Americans” (Roark 671) dead, the United States involuntarily joined the war. Dr. Seuss drew a cartoon and titled it "End of the Nap." The title explains how America has now ended their "nap" of keeping neutral with foreign nations and woken up to Japanese attacking and assaulting the American eagle. Geisel incorporated a deeper "message" through the eagle. Although there are several men attacking the eagle, it nonetheless remains seated. In addition, the Japanese soldiers are drawn noticeably smaller than the eagle. This comparison in size portrayed the dominant United States against the small, arrogant Japanese soldiers. He clearly showed prejudice by drawing the Japanese soldiers identically. They all look the same, dressed similarly and seem foolish as if playing a prank. In my opinion, Dr. Seuss already knew Japan would not win the war,
The decisions made throughout the 20th century in the United States affected the lives of Americans both positively and negatively. One of the most significant events that occurred during the 20th century was the World Wars, prominently the World War II. The United States, twenty-three years later, was involved, yet again, in another World War. Theodor Seuss Geisel, famously known as Dr. Seuss, was an author and a cartoonist during the 20th century. Geisel, best known as the writer of beloved children's books, took a different measure by addressing his opinions on political matters through cartoons. His political cartoons captured the major events that occurred during his lifetime, including the Second War. One of …show more content…
The Treaty of Versailles humiliated the Axis, or Germany, Italy, and Japan. However, the Germans took the blame and were responsible for "more than $33 billion in damages” (Roark 594). The United States, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union "sought to avoid future wars" (Roark 664) but were unsuccessful. Just twenty years following the signing of the treaty, the Axis rose to power in Europe and Asia. Two years after World War II broke out, the United States broke its policy of neutrality when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. With "more than 2,400 Americans” (Roark 671) dead, the United States involuntarily joined the war. Dr. Seuss drew a cartoon and titled it "End of the Nap." The title explains how America has now ended their "nap" of keeping neutral with foreign nations and woken up to Japanese attacking and assaulting the American eagle. Geisel incorporated a deeper "message" through the eagle. Although there are several men attacking the eagle, it nonetheless remains seated. In addition, the Japanese soldiers are drawn noticeably smaller than the eagle. This comparison in size portrayed the dominant United States against the small, arrogant Japanese soldiers. He clearly showed prejudice by drawing the Japanese soldiers identically. They all look the same, dressed similarly and seem foolish as if playing a prank. In my opinion, Dr. Seuss already knew Japan would not win the war,