A group of men are holding down another man dressed in all white. They are holding a round object above his face. There is a noose hanging from a tree above the crowd.

Question

What does this political cartoon from 1774 show?

colonists’ anger over “taxation without representation”
British power over the colonists
the effectiveness of the British taxes and acts
the challenges faced by merchants who relied on trade with Britain

Answer 1

The political cartoon from 1774 depicts a group of men holding down another man dressed in all white while displaying a round object above his face, alongside a noose hanging from a tree. This imagery symbolizes the tension and conflict between the colonists and British authorities.

Given the context and the options provided, the cartoon most likely illustrates colonists’ anger over “taxation without representation.” The act of holding down a man in all white while confronting him with a round object (often interpreted as a symbolic representation of authority or punishment) captures the feelings of oppression and frustration among colonists due to British taxation and control. The noose can further imply threats to dissenters or those who oppose British rule, enhancing the sentiments of rebellion and resistance.

Therefore, the political cartoon reflects the growing unrest and resentment towards British governance leading up to the American Revolution.