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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
The Big Launching
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

The Big Launching

Artifact ID1973.1.2260
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1916 - 1978)
Publisher (founded 1920)
Gifter
Date ca. July 1968
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 24 in x W 18 in (61 cm x 45.7 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ breaks a champagne bottle on the prow of a ship ("Non-Proliferation Treaty"). The ship's hull has three jagged holes (“No Inspection”, “No China", and “No France”). Caption: “The Big Launching”. Artist signature lower right: "Warren King”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: [blue] “Tues July 2 - 65”.
Historical NoteIn 1960, France detonated its first atomic bomb. In 1964, China detonated its first atomic bomb, and rivaled the US and the USSR. The Sino-Soviet split were the tensions between China and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Although both nations were Communist, they competed with each other over the same spheres of influence. As a result, the United States had to practice triangular diplomacy to maintain relations with both Communist powers.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place Described
FranceChina
Place of Publication
New York
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