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 Peace Democrats and Copperheads

 


 "An Old Story Newly Applied"
  Cartoonist:  Unknown
  Source:  Harper's Weekly
  Date:   July 9, 1864, p. 448

Click to see a large version of this cartoon...

Click to see a large version of this cartoon

Caption: Fernandy Wood. "Say Peace! Or, by Thunber, I'll split it up the middle!"

Complete HarpWeek Explanation:
U.S. Representative Fernando Wood was a leader of the Peace Democrats (called "Copperheads" by their political opponents), who wanted a cease-fire and negotiated settlement with the Confederacy. In this cartoon he threatens to split the Democratic party in two (like in 1860) if the likely Democratic presidential nominee, Union General George B. McClellan, does not endorse the proposed peace plank at the upcoming Democratic National Convention. With clasped hands, McClellan seems to be begging Wood not to make trouble. The sign in the left-background makes it clear that the cartoonist considers the Peace Democrats to be traitors (turncoats).
 

 

 

 
 

 

     
 

 

 
     
 

 

 
     
 

 

 

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