Required Assignment: New Deal Cartoon – FDR’s “Successful Experiment”

Background Reading:
Review this short article on the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA):
Social Welfare History Project – TVA Overview

Important Note:
The figure in the cartoon is not Benjamin Franklin. The artist draws inspiration from Franklin’s image—because of the similarity in names Franklin Roosevelt and Benjamin Franklin and that both had something to do with Electricity —but the person in the cartoon is a modern symbol of scientific experimentation and innovation.

If you claim the person is Ben Franklin (1706-1790), your assignment will receive a zero until it is revised and resubmitted (you’d be shocked -ha ha- at how many students write that!!).

Now examine the cartoon and answer the following:

Observation:
List at least 10 distinct objects, figures, or details in the cartoon. Look carefully at tools, facial expressions, setting, motion, and text—nothing is accidental in political cartoons.
Interpretation:
What is the artist saying about the TVA or the broader goals of the New Deal?

Use the sentence: “The artist’s message is ___________, as evidenced by ___________ in the image.”

Reflection:
Was the cartoon’s message clear to you? What prior knowledge (about the New Deal, electricity, Franklin, or economic recovery) helped or challenged your understanding?

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

This assignment asks you to analyze a political cartoon related to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, specifically the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Political cartoons are carefully constructed, and every symbol, object, and expression carries meaning. Use the steps below to help you move from observation to interpretation and reflection in a clear, organized way.

Step 1: Review the Background Reading First

Before analyzing the cartoon:

Read the Social Welfare History Project overview of the TVA
Pay attention to the TVA’s goals, including rural electrification, economic recovery, and federal involvement in regional development

This context will help you correctly interpret the symbols in the cartoon.

Step 2: Carefully Observe the Cartoon

Spend time looking closely at the image before writing. Do not rush this step.

For the Observation section, list at least 10 distinct objects, figures, or details you see. These may include:

People or symbolic figures
Tools, machines, or electrical equipment
Facial expressions or body language
Labels, captions, or text
Setting or background details
Motion or action taking place

At this stage, do not interpret—simply describe what you see.

Step 3: Write the Observation Section

In your response:

Present your observations as a clear list or paragraph
Be specific and concrete
Avoid opinions or conclusions

This section demonstrates your ability to notice detail, which is essential for political cartoon analysis.

Step 4: Interpret the Cartoon’s Message

Next, move from description to meaning.

Use the required sentence exactly as written:

“The artist’s message is ___________, as evidenced by ___________ in the image.”

In this section:

Explain what the artist is saying about the TVA or the broader New Deal
Connect symbols (electricity, experimentation, progress, control, optimism, or risk) to New Deal goals
Be sure you understand that the figure is not Benjamin Franklin, but a modern symbol of scientific experimentation

Support your interpretation with specific details from the cartoon.

Step 5: Reflect on Your Understanding

For the Reflection section, write thoughtfully and personally:

Was the cartoon’s message clear to you? Why or why not?
What prior knowledge helped you understand the image?
- The New Deal
- FDR
- The TVA
- Electricity and modernization
Did any prior assumptions make interpretation more challenging?

This section shows critical thinking rather than right or wrong answers.

Step 6: Review for Accuracy and Clarity

Before submitting:

Double-check that you did not identify the figure as Benjamin Franklin
Confirm all three sections (Observation, Interpretation, Reflection) are clearly addressed
Ensure your interpretation is supported by visual evidence

Clear structure and careful wording are key to success on this assignment.

Helpful Resources

You may find the following resources useful:

Social Welfare History Project – TVA Overview
https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu
National Archives – Political Cartoons and the New Deal
https://www.archives.gov
Library of Congress – Analyzing Political Cartoons
https://www.loc.gov
Reading Political Cartoons (Stanford History Education Group)
https://sheg.stanford.edu

If you want, I can also:

Help you brainstorm observation items
Check whether your interpretation sentence is strong
Help revise your reflection for clarity and depth

Just let me know — happy to help 😊

New Deal Cartoon Analysis: FDR’s “Successful Experiment”