Then, explain to students that they will be examining a series of political cartoons that appeared in Harper’s Weekly during Reconstruction. 

Divide students into small groups. Assign to each group the analysis of an image(s):

•  “Pardon” and “Franchise” viewed together 
• “The First Vote” 
• “Time Works Wonders”

Have each group complete the Political Cartoon Analysis handout and/or respond to the questions below.

• What is the name of the print you are working on?
• When was this print produced?  At what point in the process of Reconstruction did it appear?
• What is the central event or phenomenon depicted in the print?
• What does the text in the print (if any) tell about its subject matter?
• Oftentimes, political cartoons use symbols to help express their meaning.  What symbols do you identify in the print, and what do you think they mean?
• What do you think the artist who made the print thought about the central event or phenomenon depicted in the print?  Was he for it or against it?  What specific elements of the print lead you to this conclusion?
• What point about Black electoral politics during Reconstruction does the print make?

Upon completing the questions, each group should report to the class on the print it analyzed. (It is suggested that the prints should be reported on in their chronological order). 

Next, have students examine “Everything Points to a Democratic Victory This Fall.” Note: This cartoon includes the N-word in the text. See the “Teaching Tips” section above for suggestions about how to handle content with racist language. As a class, consider the same set of questions included above.

Have the class attempt to outline the story of Black voting rights during Reconstruction as told through the prints.