This cartoon shows President Woodrow Wilson drafting his first States of the Union address to Congress. President Wilson was inaugurated on March 4, 1913, and he was the first president from the democratic party to be elected since Grover Cleveland left the office in 1897. President Wilson's desk with ideas he wishes to accomplish while in office. Woodrow Wilson was a leader in the Progressive movement, which proposed society could be improved through legislative reform. President Wilson took office shortly before the beginning of World War I on July 28, 1914. (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)

This cartoon shows a democratic speaker addressing a crowd. The speaker is saying, "He kept us out of war", which was President Wilson's campaign slogan for the election of 1916 against Charles Hughes. There are various countries making comments behind the speaker. This first man on the left represents Japan. Japan is saying President Wilson would have gone to war with Japan, if he had allowed an act discriminating against Japanese immigrants in larger immigration legislation.The country next to Japan is England. England is saying that President Wilson would have entered World War I, if he had protected American shipping. This is a reference to the attack of an American ship, the Lusitania, by a German submarine. Japan and England were both Allied powers during World War I, and they are separated from the Axis powers, Germany and Mexico, by a wall. Germany is saying that President Wilson would not have needed to keep the United States out of war, if Germany had not been an aggressor against other nations. Next to Germany, Mexico is saying President Wilson would have declared war, if he had remained adamant on the salute if the flag. This refers to when President Wilson did not want to salute (and thus recognize) the Mexican government under the control of Victoriano Huerta. Despite his apprehension, President Wilson eventually returned the salute from a sense of precedent and duty. (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)

This cartoon depicts three different scenes in separate panels. In the top panel, a business man is angry about workers' unions and wants them to be "smashed," but later, with the threat of a strike hovering over him, he signs his name on a wage increase form. Negotiation between workers and employers were becoming a more common occurrence in the 1910s. Unions and the notion of collective bargaining were beginning to be protected under the law. In the middle panel, a man's boss is happy to get more labor out of the man since prohibition. The man's family also claims to get more money out of him since prohibition, and the children show off their new shoes. This panel shows the desired result of prohibition, which was to eliminate the loss of prosperity and productivity associated with drunkenness.In the bottom panel, John Bull smiles while reading the English paper, which proclaims the growing labor party might control government at next election. Meanwhile, Uncle Sam reads an American paper, which proclaims the Farmer Labor Party has grown to contain three people. As Uncle Sam reads the paper, there is panic in the background. The Farmer Labor Party was a political party founded in 1920 from the larger, international workers' movement associated with communism. As Uncle Sam reads the paper, there is obvious panic in the background. This last panel shows the significant difference in culture between the United States and England. England, like many other European states, was learning to tolerate the labor parties, and it eventually adopted the new parties into their political landscape. The United States was hypersensitive to any hint of communism, due to fears of a workers' revolution. Unlike England, the United States constantly sought to limit the influence and growth of these labor parties as much as possible. This fear is seen by the Red Scare the United States experienced in the 1920s. The Red Scare spread mass fear of communism, and it sought to eliminate communism completely from American economics and culture. (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)

The top left panel is captioned, "The Peace Conference, as the world was led to expect". The caption references Woodrow Wilson presenting his "14 Points" at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. The Paris Peace Conference was held after the end of fighting in WWI, and resulted in the creation the Treaty of Versailles. The Treaty of Versailles was the document which formally ended WWI, and laid out the terms of surrender for the Axis powers. Wilson's "14 Points" speech outlined his ideas for peace to thrive after such a brutal and catastrophic war. The first point in Wilson's speech is "Open covenants of peace, openly arrived at, after which there shall be no private international understandings of any kind but diplomacy shall proceed always frankly and in the public view". The purpose of this point was to avoid the secret alliances that led to many countries becoming involved in WWI. The top right panel shows Wilson's "14 Points" in the trash and is captioned, "The Peace Conference as it actually worked out". The shows three men signing a secret treaty. Based on their appearances and the context of the cartoon these men are mostly likely President Woodrow Wilson (the left), Prime Minister of France, Georges Clemenceau (the middle), and Prime Minister of England,David Lloyd George (the right). The bottom shows a meeting of the League of Nations, and is captioned "The League of Nations, as the world is led to expect". The League of Nations was Woodrow Wilson's idea to create a body of the world's nations, which would foster international cooperation and support. The League of Nations is the fourteenth point in Wilson's "14 Points" being described as "A general association of nations must be formed under specific covenants for the purpose of affording mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity to great and small states alike".The League of Nations operated from 1920 to 1946, and faced significant problems from nations having varying international interests. The bottom right panel shows five men sitting at a table with the caption, "The League of Nations if it follows the precedent set by the Paris Conference". (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)

This cartoon illustrates tense diplomatic relations between Russia and the United States in 1911. The Treaty of 1832 between the United States and Russia was created to give citizens of both countries specific rights such as economic freedoms or freedom of movement, whether they resided in Russia or the United States. Slowly beginning in the 1890s and continuing into the 1900s, Russia was limiting the rights of Jewish citizens from the United States. Eventually these citizens' United States passports were no longer accepted by the Russian government, which was clearly against the Treaty of 1832 (or the Treaty of Constantinople). Outraged by this breach, Congress issued the Sulzer Resolution, which called for the immediate nullification of the Treaty of 1832 due to Russia's violation of its contents. The first panel of the cartoon shows the beginning of the political tension between Russia and the United States. Russia was offended by the language of the Sulzer Resolution, stating they never fully violated the treaty. The second panel shows United States resentment of Russia's discrimination of their citizens. The third panel shows the United States compromising with Russia by changing the wording and nuance of the dispute to appeal to Russia's sensibilities. During this political tension, President Taft held a strong desire to maintain diplomatic relations with Russia. Despite Taft's efforts, diplomatic relationships between the United States and Russia remained strained due to a lack of compromise from either side. (Summary created by Mary Delano, History Intern, Spring 2018)

This cartoon is an editorial depiction of the fear of war with Japan in later 1910. At the time, the army of Japan was growing, and they were seeking new technology and funding. This was combined with Japan seizing territory around it, such as parts of Korea. These military actions made relations between the United States and Japan more tense, even to the point where California was proposing legislation to limit the rights of Japanese citizens. The Chicago Tribune took a relatively relaxed approach to the situation, asserting relations between the United States and Japan were nowhere near a declaration of war. Journalists came to this conclusion, because the costs of war were too great for both sides. Ultimately, President Taft sought to avoid public fear by seeking to dismantle rumors of war by publicly announcing the United States intention of peace with Japan. This cartoon shows Taft crushing the personified Japanese war scare while on the phone saying "Hello, is that the coroner? Well, say, come up in about 10 minutes. I'll have a nice job for you." (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)

Editorial cartoon depicting Charles Adkins, the speaker for the Illinois House of Representatives, commanding the demand for waterway legislation to stop.

This cartoon shows President Taft racing out of the White House with an ax for his predecessor, Theodore Roosevelt. While President Taft was in office, Theodore Roosevelt continued to remain active in policy. This cartoon was published with article indicating former President Roosevelt sought to protect International Harvester Company, which was in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. There had been a series of letter by Theodore Roosevelt published, which indicated Roosevelt was involved with encouraging the government to not pursue International Harvester Company. President Taft was leaving for Massachusetts to give a speech to denounce the actions of Theodore Roosevelt. President Taft also wished to remind the American people how much he had done to eliminate trusts to protect the American people. (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)

This cartoon depicts an aged version of Katherine Elkins and Prince Luigi Amedeo, Duke of Abruzzi. Katherine Elkins was the daughter of Senator Stephen B. Elkins, an influential politician from West Virginia. The Duke of Abruzzi was Commander in Chief of the Italian fleet and fifth in line for the Italian throne. They met through a series of social events in the United States, and their courtship was covered by the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers for over two years. The Duke of Abruzzi needed the permission from the King of Italy to marry. If the couple had married without royal permission, then Ms. Elkins would not have received a royal title or estates and The Duke of Abruzzi would have received reprimand from the crown. When this cartoon was drawn, the Duke and Ms. Elkins were rumored to be engaged, but still waiting for the King's blessing to wed. Eventually, the King would deny this request and the couple separated around 1912. Katherine Elkins went on to marry Billy Hitt, the son of an Illinois congressman. The Duke Abruzzi led the Italian navy through World War I, and he oversaw the Italian colony of Somalia. The Duke of Abruzzi married as well, and died in 1933. (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)

This cartoon depicts many issues leading to political discourse during the late 1910s in the United States. The old sources of political discourse such as "prohibition issue", "he kept us out of war issue", and "tariff issue" have been displaced by the overgrown and overwhelming new issues. The "prohibition issue" refers to the question of whether alcohol should be a legal substance in the United States. The "he kept us out of war issue" refers to the fact that, despite his promise, the United States entered World War I under President Wilson. The "tariff issue" refers to what goods (if any) should have a tariff placed on them to protect the economic interests of the United States. The new issues overtaking the room were a relatively new source of political conflict. The "league amendments issue" refers to the United States entering the League of Nations. If the United States had joined the League of Nations, it would have to surrender some of its national sovereignty, which made it an unacceptable option to many politicians. The "cost of living" was a relatively new issue in the United States. It refers to the unusually high cost of necessary items, while many worker's wages remained low by comparison. The "daylight savings issue" refers to the issue of whether the United States should continue to use daylight savings time. The United States had adopted daylight savings time in 1918. Many countries adopted daylight savings during World War I as a way to lower the need to use coal. The transition to daylight savings time had been problematic, and many in the United States thought it should be abandoned. (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)

This cartoon personifies United States relations with Japan in 1913. Japan is criticizing California for employing Japanese exclusion laws. These laws are most likely a reference to the California Alien Land Law of 1913. This law prohibited "aliens ineligible for citizenship" from owning agricultural land or possessing long-term leases, but permitted short-term leases lasting up to three years. This act was problematic for diplomatic relations with Japan, as it directly discriminated against Japanese citizens. This law also limited the number of Japanese immigrants to come to the US. While this law actually had little tangible backlash on Japanese citizens, it caused a large amount of tension between Japan and the US. Japan is also illustrated wielding the weapon of exclusion laws. In response to California's discrimination laws, Japan threatened to begin creating policies, which would discriminate against Americans. (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)

This cartoon depicts the 1913 Ottoman coup d'état, in which the Committee of Union and Progress overthrew the monarchy of the Sultan. The Committee of Union and Progress was a political group, which had aligned itself with the Young Turks. The young Turks were a group that sought to turn the Ottoman Empire into a constitutional government. A statesman in Constantinople, Kamil Pasha had been working to eliminate the Committee of Union and Progress. In response to this, the Committee launched a coup, and quickly ousted the Ottoman government. The Hellespont, now referred to as the Dardanelles, was a waterway near Constantinople. (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)

Editorial cartoon depicting Uncle Sam questioning President Wilson about when "America gave its word to the rest of the world" while holding a paper containing a quotation from part of Wilson's interview.

Editorial cartoon depicting William Jennings Bryan lecturing to earn money in the aftermath of his loss in the 1900 senatorial election. Bryan charged $500 per speech or lecture, and he was the most popular speaker on the Chautauqua circuit from 1900 to 1912.

This cartoon depicts Lord Roberts, a prestigious military officer from Great Britain who served all around the world, most heavily in India. Lord Roberts was greatly respected by his colleagues, and he was admired by the common people of Britain. He was also one of the few military officers who warned of the impending war with Germany -- World War I -- as early as 1908. In this cartoon, Lord Roberts is identified by his nickname, "Bobs" on the front of his uniform. This cartoon shows Lord Roberts being led away by death. Death himself has his head hanging while carrying what is assumed to be Lord Roberts' sword. This is a portrayal of his death when visiting Indian soldiers fighting at the front at St. Olmer's in France during World War I. Lord Roberts contracted pneumonia and died shortly after contracting the disease. John McCutcheon personally knew Lord Roberts and described him as "as an alert and spry little man with ruddy cheeks, courteous and deferential to the degree of courtier, energetic in his manners and conversation, and with a character as beautiful and lovable as some ancient hero drawn with the pen of an idealist." This cartoon depicts one of the millions of lives lost in World War I. (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)

Editorial cartoon depicting the changing world in three panels. Coal is threatened by Oil in the first, William Jennings Bryan upholds different standards in the second; and where Conquest once subjugated people, so does a Mandate.

This cartoon depicts a man who has been affected by news of combat in World War I. In the left panel, "Pan-Germany" is confident about his ability to win the war. Pan-Germany is a concept that stems from the ideology of Pan-Germanism. It is a school of thought, which believes all ethnic Germans and German-speaking people should be united under one state, Pan-Germany. While Pan-Germany was never a real state, Germanic peoples still shared a similar language and culture. In the right panel, Germany quickly becomes alarmed as news of Ally victory comes to his desk. Although Pan-Germany was confident of his ability to win World War I, he did not anticipate the United States becoming a serious threat to the war effort. The United States entered World War I on April 6, 1917. (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)

The cartoon shows the interpreted process of peace talks during World War I. The top panel shows the German people being dragged to peace by the Kaiser Wilhelm II. The second panel shows the Reichstag calling for peace after the kaiser orders them to begin discussions. In 1917, the United States had entered World War I, and Germany's and the Axis powers' chance of victory was becoming smaller and smaller. This made them more willing to negotiate for peace than in previous years of the war. The third panel shows the American stock market falling in value. This drop in the stock market was caused by the peace talks. Supplying weapons and other resources in World War I significantly improved the economy of the United States. Many factories and other means of productions had been created solely to meet the needs of the global conflict. As World War I came to a close, the United States large profits from the war effort began to decline. (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)

This cartoon shows Lady Justice presiding over the Republican Convention for the 1912 primary election. Former president, Theodore Roosevelt, was running against president incumbent Taft. President Roosevelt seems to have more delegate votes than Taft, but Taft would ultimately be renominated for the presidency. Roosevelt claimed Taft stole delegates that should have been awarded to him, making him lose the election. After losing the Republican primary, Theodore Roosevelt began his own party, the Bull-Moose Party. Taft and Roosevelt would eventually split the Republican vote, which allowed Woodrow Wilson to be elected as president in 1912. (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)

This cartoon depicts the potential candidates for the Republican primary election of 1912. The first candidate portrayed on the left is President Taft, who was running for re-election. The second candidate is James Sherman's, President Taft's former vice president. The next candidate is a senator from Massachusetts, Boies Penrose. William Barnes, Jr., a politician and journalist from New York, is displayed as a potential runner. The last candidate depicted in the cartoon is Winthrop Crane, another senator from Massachusetts. All these men appear to be eager to run in the Republican primary in the top panel. However, some of these men are accused of being fraudulent candidates. This means they have been accused of not actually been favored by the public to run for the presidency To ensure their legitimacy, a man suggests a preferential primary. A preferential primary is an election that determines the nominee for the presidency through the preference of voters or through delegates (these delegates most vote for the winning primary candidate). The practice of a preferential primary contradicts against the tradition of political bosses attempting to organize the outcome of elections. The candidates of the elections all find this news distressing in the bottom panel. (Summary created by Mary Delano, MU History Intern, Spring 2018)