TR and the Bears political cartoon
What does each "character" in the cartoon represent?
The figure in glasses in the middle of the cartoon represents President Theodore Roosevelt, who decided that there were "good trusts" and "bad trusts" and decided to set out to control the "bad trusts" and likewise, crush them. These "bad trusts", represented in the cartoon by the bear who has fallen under Roosevelt, included the Northern Securities Company, which was organized by J.P Morgan and James J. Hill. Roosevelt helped to bring down 40 trusts and helped to dissolve the beef, sugar, fertilizer, and harvester trusts. In the cartoon, the small bear behind Roosevelt on the right side most likely represents the harvester trusts. The bear on the left represents the "good trusts", which were nonetheless still "restrained" by Roosevelt and somewhat controlled. However, Roosevelt did not wish to take down the "good trusts".
Why is TR dressed that way?
TR is dressed that way in the cartoon in order to portray his readiness and desire to "hunt" down the "bad trusts" and to control the political trusts. His appearance depicts his rustic and bold personality, as well as his satisfaction of having taken down the "bad trust" bear.
What is the purpose of the bears being labeled different things?
The purpose of the bears being labeled different things allows for the viewer to visually organize the different trusts and Theodore Roosevelt's control/actions over them. The three bears depict the "good trusts" that were still controlled by Roosevelt, the "bad trusts" that were put down by Roosevelt because of corruption, and the trusts that were yet to be controlled by Roosevelt. His actions gave other trusts the chance to reform themselves.
What is the overall message of this cartoon?
The overall message of this cartoon is to depict Theodore Roosevelt's leadership and his categorization of "good trusts" and "bad trusts". Good trusts, he believed, were those that although controlled large industries, were good services and provided reasonable rates/prices. Bad trusts were those that drove up rates and were corrupted, reducing competition as well. Roosevelt believed it to be his job to take care of trusts for the best interest of the people, and many cheered him on.
BONUS What is up with the bears in the back?
The bear in the back (on the right side of the cartoon) seems aware of Theodore Roosevelt's presence/desires to inspect and control trusts. The bear in the back represents the other trusts that would reform themselves as they saw Roosevelt take down big trusts that he deemed were bad. It is also possible that the bear on the right represents the harvester trusts. The bear on the left represents the "good trusts" that seem fearful under the "restraint" leash that Roosevelt has put on them.
The figure in glasses in the middle of the cartoon represents President Theodore Roosevelt, who decided that there were "good trusts" and "bad trusts" and decided to set out to control the "bad trusts" and likewise, crush them. These "bad trusts", represented in the cartoon by the bear who has fallen under Roosevelt, included the Northern Securities Company, which was organized by J.P Morgan and James J. Hill. Roosevelt helped to bring down 40 trusts and helped to dissolve the beef, sugar, fertilizer, and harvester trusts. In the cartoon, the small bear behind Roosevelt on the right side most likely represents the harvester trusts. The bear on the left represents the "good trusts", which were nonetheless still "restrained" by Roosevelt and somewhat controlled. However, Roosevelt did not wish to take down the "good trusts".
Why is TR dressed that way?
TR is dressed that way in the cartoon in order to portray his readiness and desire to "hunt" down the "bad trusts" and to control the political trusts. His appearance depicts his rustic and bold personality, as well as his satisfaction of having taken down the "bad trust" bear.
What is the purpose of the bears being labeled different things?
The purpose of the bears being labeled different things allows for the viewer to visually organize the different trusts and Theodore Roosevelt's control/actions over them. The three bears depict the "good trusts" that were still controlled by Roosevelt, the "bad trusts" that were put down by Roosevelt because of corruption, and the trusts that were yet to be controlled by Roosevelt. His actions gave other trusts the chance to reform themselves.
What is the overall message of this cartoon?
The overall message of this cartoon is to depict Theodore Roosevelt's leadership and his categorization of "good trusts" and "bad trusts". Good trusts, he believed, were those that although controlled large industries, were good services and provided reasonable rates/prices. Bad trusts were those that drove up rates and were corrupted, reducing competition as well. Roosevelt believed it to be his job to take care of trusts for the best interest of the people, and many cheered him on.
BONUS What is up with the bears in the back?
The bear in the back (on the right side of the cartoon) seems aware of Theodore Roosevelt's presence/desires to inspect and control trusts. The bear in the back represents the other trusts that would reform themselves as they saw Roosevelt take down big trusts that he deemed were bad. It is also possible that the bear on the right represents the harvester trusts. The bear on the left represents the "good trusts" that seem fearful under the "restraint" leash that Roosevelt has put on them.