The Elephant and The Donkey

Nov 7, 2024

Discover the fascinating origins of the elephant and donkey symbols in American politics. Delve into Thomas Nast's influential 1874 cartoon that forever changed political imagery. Explore the contentious environment of the time and how political cartoons served as powerful tools for public perception. Unpack the layers of symbolism associated with these animals and reflect on the complex history of political mascots, revealing insights into their ongoing significance today.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Political Fables: The 1874 Cartoon That Sparked Controversy

02:20 • 3min

The Origins of Political Symbols in American History

05:08 • 5min

Symbols and Changes in Political Mascots

09:39 • 2min

Rerun: Why are the Republican Party represented by an elephant, and the Democrats (unofficially) by a donkey? The answer lies in the work of revered political cartoonist Thomas Nast, whose picture ‘Third Term Panic’ was published in Harper's Weekly on 7th November, 1874 - the day before the mid-terms.

His Aesop-style symbolism is rather tricky for modern readers to untangle, but the satiric thrust of this particular cartoon related to news that President Ulysses S. Grant was considering running for an unprecedented third term in office.

In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain why 19th century political cartoonists were so influential;

consider whether Nast’s view of the Irish corresponded with his more enlightened views on African-Americans; and reveal how Andrew Jackson reclaimed his portrayal as a ‘jackass’ and turned it into a political positive…