Details
Title The slavery question. Great prize-fight of the American eagle against the wolf and the alligator. [graphic] / WA.
Publisher [United States] ; [publisher not identified]
Publisher UNITED STATES. 1844
Date [1844]
Physical Description 1 print : lithograph ; sheet 31 x 24 cm (12 x 9.5 in.)
Description Cartoon portraying the extension of slavery as dependent upon the United States' successful annexation of California and Texas. Depicts the American eagle on a mound protecting her nest of hatchlings labeled "Texas" and "California" from a wolf and an alligator. The wolf dressed as a sheep is being restrained by John Bull who represents England and states, "I bet Canada" (a proposed U.S. annexation). The alligator is being restrained by Don Quixote who represents Spain and states, "I bet Cuba!" (another proposed U.S. annexation). In front of the nest sits a barefooted enslaved African American man, portrayed in racist caricature and attired in torn and worn clothes. He holds his head in hands with the unbroken pot of slavery on his left and the broken pot of liberty, under the foot of John Bull, on his right. Behind the nest stands a bowery B'hoy figure holding a banner inscribed, "The Union Forever" and George Washington stating, "Go it, my boy you will beat them all."
Is referenced by Weitenkampf, p. 83
Notes Title from item.
Publication date supplied by Weitenkampf.
Inscribed: Pl. 4.
Purchase 1975.
RVCDC
Description revised 2021.
Access points revised 2021.
Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Subject John Bull (Symbolic character) -- 1840-1850.
Don Quixote (Fictitious character) -- 1840-1850.
African American men -- Caricatures and cartoons.
Alligators -- United States.
Animals -- Symbolic aspects.
Eagles -- United States.
Racism in popular culture.
Slavery -- United States -- Extension to the territories.
Enslaved persons -- United States.
Wolves -- United States.
Enslaved men -- United States.
Geographic subject California -- Annexation to the United States.
Texas -- Annexation to the United States.
Genre Lithographs -- 1840-1850.
Political cartoons -- 1840-1850.
Location Library Company of Philadelphia| Print Department| Political cartoons - 1844-75W [8138.F]
Accession number 8138.F