Origins & Early Life

Thomas Nast (; German: [nast]; September 26, 1840 – December 7, 1902) was a German-born American caricaturist and editorial cartoonist often considered to be the "Father of the American Cartoon". Nast was deeply involved in the political issues of the day, often as a member of the Republican party. He promoted the platform of the Radical Republicans against President Andrew Johnson and supported Republican presidential candidates Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Hayes, and Benjamin Harrison. Despite his attachment to the Republican party, Nast prominently and repeatedly criticized 1884 nominee James G. Blaine, informally joining the Mugwump faction of Republicans who supported Democrat Grover Cleveland's candidacy. Nast was a sharp critic of "Boss" Tweed and the Tammany Hall Democratic Party political machine. He also focused his critical attention on the unreconstructed South as it fought measures to establish civil rights for black Southerners following the surrender of the Confederacy.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Concerned with civil service reform and good governance, Nast made repeated mockery of political figures he felt were corrupt or otherwise deserving of scorn, including Senator Carl Schurz, Liberal...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1840 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1840
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• 1902 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1902
• December 7 (12-07) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 7