The Articles of Confederation Political Cartoon Analysis Essay

The exact purpose of this cartoon’s illustration is to see how rough path was with distinctive obstacles that needed to be overcome. Even though they had their independence it was still not right with so many flaws that required some attention to rectify the Articles of the Confederation. This cartoon also depicts how the thirteen colonies and congress needed to work together to avoid anarchy and gain its true independence with a stable government.

While examining this there were many things that stood out to me. Each one was an obstacle for which the colonies needed to overcome, the main one is the picture in its entirety is a warning that if they remain on the same path that the colonies would fall into anarchy. A free-flowing river represents a rocky start to a new union and independence that is flowing into the direction of anarchy. Congress in the boat together is another point, they are trying to coordinate all states to work collectively to be on the same page. With leadership missing in action and congress were in a state of semi chaos because there was no middle ground, and many states would not compromise. This requires them to work together to solve their conflict with each other.  The name of the boat is The Articles of Confederation  represent their first attempt as establishing a government. The articles had many weak points, for example the states had more rights which also allow states not need to follow federal laws. This also demonstrates that all states not agreeing with federal law where there would be conflicts between state mainly about slavery, taxes, and rights.  Another element are the rocks in the river characterizing several hardships that were along the lines of the economy was at an all-time low, which was a colossal set back. One of the last items in this cartoon which was mean to stand out is the title itself. The Critical Period: 1783 – 1789 was to reflect on the period where the American Revolution ended and the time for a new government  arose. 

As a new independent country, they needed to make money by trading, fishing and American ships were barred from harbors. They also did not have the money to run the new country, the reason for this circumstance was that they did not have a secure line of income. As stated, before the American ships were barred from trade, but imported goods flooded the market  which undercut all American business this did not assist with the economic standing. Along with the British commerce reserved for those who were loyal parties of the empire. Many shied away from the idea of independence simply because America’s prospects were limited. This merely identified the fear people had with the centralized political power  which posed danger to the liberties. With that said there was no high power to enforce laws and no one to interpret them. This brought on a land ordinance of 1787 which set a way of dividing new territory, instead of acquiring land the right way it was stolen from the natives then sold off. This helped create a process to devise on how territory would be divided. This then led to Shays’ Rebellion  and this is where thing turn for the better. This rebellion demonstrated that without adherence there would be a state of anarchy, confusion, and slavery. By strengthening the national government in a uniform economic policy and protect landowners from infringements  of local rights. In 1787 Alexander Hamilton organized the famous second meeting which would lead to the creation of the Constitution.

The cartoonist’s point of few for this illustration is to show how the colonies went through trials and tribulations to seek the freedom they all wanted as well as a new government. The main items that support this is the boat named U.S.A. Articles of Confederation with congress in it. The river shows a how rocky path was to get everyone on the same page and if congress could not work together it would lead them to the water fall which leads to anarchy. In this cartoon there was intended to shock the people about how difficult the path to independence has been and what they wanted to avoid. The cartoonist wanted alarm and advised the readers of what was happening during the as the picture states The Critical Period. I believe what they did get the intended effect was to alarm everyone but also to inform of the standings. By helping create a more cohesive memory of the events and the carton was a way of integrating a visual people can relate to. Yes, I believe that the cartoonist intent was to congregate the people into one nation. To work together to meet the country’s true expectation of freedom. Everything that happened during this period were just hardships what needed to happen to get to where we currently stand as a free nation. It was not so much persuasive but more informative about the situation and standing of the country. The premise was to inform its people where the nations stood.

To sum up everything that has been stated so far about the cartoon was to inform its people of what was truly happening with in the government. Even though they had the Articles of Confederation there was still questions about how its own government would work with all the uprising of its citizens. With the colonies finally working together would get that they could get everything for the government to work.

Work Citation:

College, H. C. American Perspectives: Readings in American History Vol. 1.

Foner, Eric. “Chapter 7 FOUNDING A NATION 1783–1791.” Give Me Liberty, 6th ed., vol. 1, Norton & Company, 2019.

Ushistory. Independence and the Articles of Confederation. Accessed March 19, 2021. //www.ushistory.org/gov/2b.asp.