Question

11th RCT1 Q1

Stimuli 1

Review the two political cartoons below from cartoonist Thomas Nast. The first is from 1863 and the second is from 1874. Use both to answer the question that follows.



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Source: Thomas Nast, 1863
11th RCT1 Q1

Stimuli 2

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Source: Thomas Nast, Harper’s Weekly, 1874
1

Which claim statement can be drawn from both political cartoons?

A
The Reconstruction period at first saw major advancements in the rights awarded to formerly enslaved peoples.

B
The Reconstruction period was met with backlash and did not live up to its promise to formerly enslaved peoples.

C
The Reconstruction period depended on federal involvement to shut down the increased activities of white supremacists.

D
The Reconstruction period led to new laws and policies that had mixed results on the lives of formerly enslaved peoples.

Answer 1

B

Both cartoons by Thomas Nast portray how the promise of emancipation and equal rights was undermined — the 1863 image hints at the fragility of gains for formerly enslaved people, and the 1874 Harper’s Weekly cartoon shows the backlash (violence, intimidation, political rollback) that prevented Reconstruction from fulfilling its promise.