I chose a political cartoon titled Johnny Bull and the Alexandrians. William Charles created this cartoon about the War of 1812, which was fought between the United States and England from 1812 to 1814. The conflict started because of various reasons, such as the British practice of impressment and the tension between the former colony and mother country. Moreover, the American attempt to neutralize also caused distress. However, none of the two sides ended up winning the war, since the Treaty of Ghent was signed in 1814 and the most important battle was fought in 1815, which made the Americans think that they have won the war. The war of 1812 led to a boost of American nationalism, the national anthem and The Star-Sprangled Banner were both…show more content… in the war of 1812, he tried to influence the public opinion about the British. The cartoon’s main figure is John Bull, who impersonates the British navy, based on his clothing. I believe, this character has an actual bull’s head because it symbolizes determination and strength on the British side, moreover, he is holding a sword in his hand which implies that the British threatened the Americans with violent invasion. Alexandrians did not receive any kind of help, so eventually they decided it would be the best to surrender without resistance. The Bull is showing the Alexandrians the Terms of Capitulation which stated that Alexandria will not be burned down if the city capitulates, and all merchandise is given to the British. Johnny Bull also mentions that he has had enough of “Porter and Perry.” These two figures – Captain David Porter and Oliver Hazard Perry – were considered American heroes, since they showed resistance to the invasion. Porter harassed British whaling ships and fought against them in the harbor of Valparaiso. Perry was known as the “Hero of Lake Erie” after defeating a British squadron in the Battle of Lake
