About this image...

Image Title: A War President. Progressive Democracy, 1848

Creator: N. Currier (Firm),

Date: 1848.

Summary: A caricature of Democratic candidate Lewis Cass, a general in the War of 1812, suggesting that his expansionist leanings would lead the United States into war. Cass (dubbed "General Gas" by the unfriendly press) is pictured as a veritable war machine. He sits on a wheeled gun-carriage, with his various limbs and body parts in the form of cannon shells and barrels shooting "gas" and shot. Over his head he waves a bloody saber labeled "Manifest Destiny," while reciting, "New Mexico, California, Chihuahua, Zacatecas, MEXICO, Peru, Yucatan, Cuba." These reflect, with some exaggeration, Cass's ambitious agenda for territorial expansion in the wake of American victory in the Mexican War. In his left hand he holds a spear.

Subjects: Cass, Lewis, as presidential candidate
Manifest Destiny
Mexico, U.S. war with
War of 1812

Original Media: Lithograph

Collections: Cartoon Prints, American » more info...
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