Lesson Plan: Political Cartoonist Thomas Nast

Political Cartoonist Thomas Nast

Fiona Deans Halloran provides an overview of the life of the artist.

Description

Thomas Nast was an influential political cartoonist who is known for bringing attention to issues including corruption, slavery, politics and the Civil War through his work. He is also remembered for his modern depiction of Santa Claus. In this lesson, students will learn about his childhood, his career and the people who influenced him.

Procedures

  • Step 1:

    Ask students to view the video below to provide background information on Thomas Nast. This can be done at the beginning of class or assigned for homework. Engage in class discussion using the questions below.

    Handout: Political Cartoonist Thomas Nast (Google Doc)

  • VIDEO:

    Clip 1: Political Cartoonist Thomas Nast (6:56)

    Fiona Deans Halloran provides an overview of the life of the artist.

    1. Describe Thomas Nast's childhood.

    2. Explain how Nast began his career as an illustrator.

    3. Describe his persona and how he was perceived by people.

    4. Describe some of Nast's images and how his place in American art and history evolved over time.
  • Step 2:

    Ask students to view the following videos and respond to the questions on the handout to learn about the different phases of Thomas Nast's life. Discuss students' responses as a class.

  • VIDEO

    Clip 2: Political Cartoonist Thomas Nast: Historic Leaders (12:00)

    Fiona Deans Halloran discusses the impact of historic leaders on Nast and how he portrayed them in his work.

    1. How did the Civil War shape Thomas Nast's views on leadership?

    2. Who were some of Nast's heroes during this time? How did he portray them in his images?

    3. Who were some leaders who Nast did not admire? How did he portray them in his cartoons?
  • VIDEO

    Clip 3: Political Cartoonist Thomas Nast: American Identity and Citizenship (8:28)

    Fiona Deans Halloran discusses how Nast's experiences affected his work and his perceptions of American identity and citizenship.

    1. How did the New York City Draft Riots impact Thomas Nast? Describe how he conveys this in his work.

    2. Explain Nast's position on slavery. How is this represented in his illustrations?
  • VIDEO

    Clip 4: Political Cartoonist Thomas Nast: Illustrator to Cartoonist (4:22)

    Fiona Deans Halloran explains how Nast evolved from being an illustrator to a cartoonist.

    1. Explain Nast's initial experience as an illustrator.

    2. How did Nast's skills help him transition over time to become a cartoonist?
  • Step 3:

    Students can use the handout below to complete one of the following culminating activities in class and/or for homework.

    Handout: Analyzing Political Cartoons (Google Doc)

    1. Have students search various news sources for political cartoons and analyze them.

    2. Brainstorm a list of current event topics. Ask students to select one and create their own political cartoon.

Additional Resources

Vocabulary

  • Abolitionist
  • Antipathy
  • Archetype
  • Confederate
  • Draft Riots
  • Emancipation
  • Emancipation Proclamation
  • Emigrate
  • Five Points
  • Harper

Topics

English & LiteratureMediaPolitical PartiesU.S. History

Grades

Middle SchoolHigh School