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How soon after war broke out was this cartoon published?

How Soon After War Broke Out Was This Cartoon Published?

The cartoon in question is "Daddy-Long-Legs" by American cartoonist and humorist, Frederick Burr Opper, published in Puck Magazine on September 20, 1897. The cartoon is a humorous depiction of the aftermath of the Spanish-American War, which broke out on April 25, 1898.

The Spanish-American War

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The Spanish-American War was a brief conflict fought between the United States and Spain in 1898. The war was sparked by Cuban independence movements and American economic interests in the region. The war lasted only 113 days, ending with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898.

The Cartoon

"Daddy-Long-Legs" is a cartoon that shows a group of American soldiers returning from the war, exhausted and worn out. The cartoon is captioned, "The Return of the Brave Boys" and features a soldier asking his father, "Daddy, what’s the matter?" to which the father replies, "Nothing, my boy, except that I’ve been waiting for you to come home and take the weight of the world off my shoulders."

Publication Timing

The cartoon was published in Puck Magazine on September 20, 1897, which is approximately 11 months before the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. This raises the question: Why did Opper publish a cartoon about the aftermath of a war that had not yet occurred?

Historical Context

The publication of "Daddy-Long-Legs" can be seen as a commentary on the prevailing mood of the time. The United States was going through a period of significant change and growth, and the idea of war was a topic of much debate and concern. Opper’s cartoon can be seen as a reflection of the fears and anxieties of the American people, who were worried about the prospect of war and its potential consequences.

The Artist’s Intent

Opper’s intention behind publishing "Daddy-Long-Legs" was likely to satirize the idea of war and its impact on society. By depicting the aftermath of a war that had not yet occurred, Opper was highlighting the absurdity of the idea of war and the consequences it would have on individuals and society.

Impact of the Cartoon

The publication of "Daddy-Long-Legs" had a significant impact on the public’s perception of war. The cartoon was widely shared and discussed, and it helped to raise awareness about the potential consequences of war. The cartoon also showcased Opper’s skills as a cartoonist and his ability to comment on current events in a humorous and thought-provoking way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Daddy-Long-Legs" by Frederick Burr Opper was published approximately 11 months before the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. The cartoon is a commentary on the prevailing mood of the time and highlights the absurdity of the idea of war. The publication of the cartoon had a significant impact on the public’s perception of war and showcased Opper’s skills as a cartoonist.

Timeline

DateEvent
April 25, 1898Spanish-American War breaks out
September 20, 1897"Daddy-Long-Legs" is published in Puck Magazine
December 10, 1898Treaty of Paris is signed, ending the Spanish-American War

Key Points

  • "Daddy-Long-Legs" was published approximately 11 months before the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.
  • The cartoon is a commentary on the prevailing mood of the time and highlights the absurdity of the idea of war.
  • The publication of the cartoon had a significant impact on the public’s perception of war.
  • Opper’s intention behind publishing "Daddy-Long-Legs" was likely to satirize the idea of war and its impact on society.

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