The era of Napoleon’s domination in France and Europe also saw the continued development of mass media, specifically newspapers. The cartoons used in this activity were all published in European newspapers in the early 19th century and they serve as amazing primary sources. The cartoons used in this example come from the The Brown University Center for Digital Scholarship: Napoleonic Satires. The symbols and events depicted in each cartoon require a solid understanding of Napoleon’s role in French history.
In this activity, students will both analyze the messages of each political cartoon and create their own that tackles a current social/political/economic issue. Students should explain the symbols identified by red arrows in each of the cartoons. Both the storyboard above and a blank template will be copied into your account, and you can edit the examples as desired and add the full storyboard to the assignment.
Extended Activity
This activity can be extended in a number of ways. Students could locate and analyze current political cartoons/satires. They could also build a storyboard collection of political cartoons or satires from each unit of study, e.g. the Industrial Revolution, or World War I.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that explains the message behind French political cartoons and create your own cartoon.
Organize a class debate where students analyze opposing viewpoints in political cartoons. This fosters critical thinking and helps students better understand historical context by arguing different interpretations.
Choose two cartoons that express opposing perspectives on a key event or figure. This will encourage students to compare and contrast messages, symbolism, and artist intent.
Divide the class into two groups, with each group defending the perspective shown in one of the cartoons. This helps students dig deeper into the artist’s message and supporting details.
Encourage students to use specific features of the cartoons—such as symbols, captions, and context—as evidence for their arguments. This builds analytical skills and reinforces content knowledge.
Moderate the class debate, ensuring each side presents their views and listens to the other. Afterwards, reflect as a class on how political cartoons can be interpreted in multiple ways and why it matters for understanding history.
Political cartoons are illustrated commentaries that use humor and symbolism to express opinions on current events. During the French Revolution, they were published in newspapers to critique leaders like Napoleon, highlight social issues, and influence public opinion.
To teach analysis, have students identify key symbols, consider the cartoon’s message, and discuss historical context. Use guided questions and templates to help students break down each element and connect it to the events of the French Revolution.
Common symbols include crowns (power), eagles (empire), chains (oppression), and national flags. Understanding these helps students interpret the cartoon’s meaning and the artist’s perspective on Napoleon and his era.
Encourage students to choose a modern issue, brainstorm symbols, and use a storyboard template. Guide them to include a caption, a clear message, and visual elements that reflect their opinion, just like French Revolution-era cartoons.
Primary sources such as political cartoons offer direct insights into the thoughts and attitudes of people from the period. They help students critically analyze perspectives and better grasp the significance of historical events.