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Democratic National Convention |
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“Shylock” |
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Cartoonist: Thomas Nast |
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Source: Harper's Weekly |
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Date:
July 6, 1872, p. 528
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Click to return to previous version of this
cartoon |
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Complete HarpWeek Explanation:
With this cartoon, artist Thomas Nast sets the
stage for the scheduled coalition of the Liberal Republican and Democratic
parties at the latter's convention in Baltimore on July 9-10. In another retreat
into the convenient characters of Shakespeare, Greeley is Antonio, the Merchant
of Venice, presented by his crafty friend and supporter, Senator Reuben Fenton
(as Bassanio), to August Belmont, chairman of the Democratic National Committee,
represented as Shylock, the long-suffering yet apparently accommodating
money-lender.
This stereotyped image is obviously based on a general knowledge of Belmont's
Jewish heritage, his situation as a veteran agent of the House of Rothschild,
and his status as an international banker. Contrary to the theme of this
cartoon, he had never supported Greeley and strongly favored diplomat Charles
Francis Adams for the same nomination. Belmont had been the guiding spirit of
the fragmented Democratic party organization since 1860, but no longer enjoyed
the confidence of his party. He would resign his chairmanship as soon as his
duties at the Baltimore convention were completed. |
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