PRACTICE 2
The caption to this political cartoon is "The Modern Baron with Ancient Methods." You have to allow your eyes to scan the image for hints or clues to assist arriving at the correct answer. First, notice the words "Carnegie Steel Works" along the wall. The wall is part of a fortress, which resembles a castle. The concept of the castle fits the caption's use of "Baron" and "Ancient." The next piece that is very noticeable are the cannon, which is directed toward anything threatening the castle's interior. The flag, which states "Protection Castle," allow one to understand that something or someone is being isolated in a positive manner from outside forces. The "melted pitch" refers to a hot tar that would be dropped on anyone threatening the castle. Finally, it is obvious that this man is not an image of Andrew Carnegie. Thus, who could it be? The person historians tend to connect to Carnegie is his partner, Henry Clay Frick. When one contemplates Frick, they should automatically arrive at the Homestead Strike.
Overall, the cartoon seems to be an attack on the position taken by the "monarchy" in ensuring their separation from the masses. This means, when pressured for wages, working conditions, or basic rights, Carnegie and Frick will resort to any means, even ancient ones, to keep their control. Furthermore, this depiction allows one to arrive at the conclusion that the old system of kings and serfs is continued under new means (i.e., Pinkertons).
Overall, the cartoon seems to be an attack on the position taken by the "monarchy" in ensuring their separation from the masses. This means, when pressured for wages, working conditions, or basic rights, Carnegie and Frick will resort to any means, even ancient ones, to keep their control. Furthermore, this depiction allows one to arrive at the conclusion that the old system of kings and serfs is continued under new means (i.e., Pinkertons).