Think about how the arts and any kind of visual medium shape memory and opinion in our democratic society, and how that has been happening for centuries especially as illustrated by Thomas Nast, and how this continues today. 

1. How has examining these historic political cartoons impacted your understanding of the Civil War?

2. Are Thomas Nast's political cartoons important for understanding historical events?

3. How effective do you think Thomas Nast's cartoons were to the people of his day? How effective are they today?

1. What do you think Thomas Nast's purpose was for drawing political cartoons?

2. What do the imagery and content of Thomas Nast's political cartoons tell you about his beliefs during the Civil War? 

Standards for Wrap-Up Discussion Questions