Anti-Catholic Sentiment in the Press

This famous political cartoon illustrates prejudice against Catholics in the late 19th century. The context for the image was the increase in immigration from southern and eastern Europe. These immigrants were pushed from their homes by economic and political events and pulled to the United States by the availability of jobs in the industrializing economy. Nativists such as Nast believed that these immigrants were different--culturally and religiously--from Americans who had immigrated earlier.

Questions for Discussion
  1. Who are the crocodiles? Who is standing on the shore? Can you identify any of the buildings?
  2. What message are readers supposed to understand from this image?
  3. What underlying concerns of native-born, Protestant Americans might be aroused by this cartoon?

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