Liberty Kids cartoons are published by the Public Broadcasting Network, and School House Rock shows are from the late 1970s and early 1980s. These latter shorts aired in “dead” commercial time on ABC. The French Revolution cartoons are also American made.
When viewing these three pictures about history, aimed at young children, how do they reflect your readings, documents, the mini-lecture, and class discussion?
What is missing (hint: is Europe mentioned in the American Revolution or is the American Revolution mentioned with the French)? What is added?
What is the perceptive? Most importantly, think about the nature of these cartoons.
Do you think they provide an accurate portrayal of history? Are they fair? Within this analysis, make sure you are paying attention to the larger aspects of political authority.
Have some fun. These are cartoons. Look at them critically. Analyze them. Be creative. But, make sure you look at these pictures in light of the broader historical narrative. Use the text, the notes, and the documents (like the French women, etc.) to pull out the story. Think about how and why we view these moments, what we will learn, and . . . What does it teach us? Moreover, you need to cite anything not your own.
