Newspaper Editorial Cartoons During World War II

Dylan Reinhard

Professor Anderson

History 114

March 31st, 2024

Newspaper editorial cartoons from the World War II (WWII) era demonstrate that many were frustrated with the outcome of the time and also that many could sympathize and take advantage of new opportunities during WWII. These cartoons provide an opinion of each different group of WWII, many of which differed from the next. Cartoons illustrated the demand of the people for America not to join the war; after Pearl Harbor, this would change as many encouraged Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) to help Europe. During the war, cartoons were made to represent the prejudice against both African Americans, other minorities, and women in the workforce. Some cartoonists were against these new

Anything from gas to food was needed for the soldiers fighting overseas. This image, drawn by Dr. Suess, who is the main character of the cartoons during WWII, depicts an American family in a car with a text box that reads, “The gas you burn up in your car in one whole year...” Under this image, there is a tank with a sign in the background that finishes that last quote, which reads, “I would only take a light tank 653 miles.” (Cartoon #6) However, in the same tank, imagine there is a man in the tank who has a speech bubble. This speech bubble puts the cartoon in perspective; it reads, “So, save it, pal! My trips are more important.” The “my” (Cartoon #6) is the United States, as indicated on the side of the tank. The significance of the government's mandate to the people to live low is better captured by this quote: “to promote patriotism and urge Americans to contribute to the war effort any way they can. Schoolchildren collected scrap metal and rubber to donate to the production of military vehicles and weapons. With rationing in effect and food in short supply, Nancy Hewitt and Steven Lawson, Exploring American Histories: A Brief Survey With Sources, Vol. 2: Since 1865, p. 793 Knowing that Dr. Suess, the artist of this image, was a strong anti-communist and anti-Nazi who supported the war is key to understanding the

However, this cartoon showed African American men finally breaking workplace restrictions. In this image, there is an African American man who seems to be ready to work in a factory standing in front of two white men who seem to be higher-ups in a factory. In the text, it reads, “National War Agencies, Army, and Navy departments urge more extensive use of negro workers in war industries.” (Cartoon #12). It seems as if the two white men are discussing whether or not to hire the man before them. They are discussing it because they feel that the war effort is going to take all hands on deck, and they must put their prejudices aside for the benefit of America. The African American man stands there very confidently, as well as showing his pride. To further prove this point, the bottom of the cartoon states, “He’s willing, he’s capable, and we need him... Use him!” (Cartoon #12). This image is also a good contrast before and after Dr. Suess's image of African Americans in a maze looking for jobs. The difference between this cartoon and Dr. Suess’s is the intention behind the art. Charles Alston saw the progression and change in the suppression of black success in America. Here, the artist was trying to contribute to the Civil Rights Movement by echoing that some places were beginning to see their idiocracy of not using capable African Americans. This image,