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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Cartoon Drawing
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Cartoon Drawing

Artifact ID1973.1.2503
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Publisher ()
Medium Ink and grease pencil on illustration board
DimensionsOverall H 20 in x W 15 in (50.8 cm x 38.1 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ ("Lyndon Bird(?) Johnson") holds papers ("Vietnam Problems” “Wage-Price Spiral Inflation Interest Hikes etc") in front of him. From their perches, four birds (“Hawks”, “Pentagon Parrots”, “Doves”, and “Owls”) squawk at him. LBJ looks out the window and sees an eagle silhouette ("Controls?"). Artist signature lower right: "Temple”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at upper left: [blue] “Cut already made DLK”. Handwritten at upper right: “45”. Handwritten at lower left: “T-P Sunday Sept 18”. Handwritten at lower right: “35 picas”.
Historical NotePro-war “hawks” supported escalating the war to stop the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia. Pro-war figures believed that the war could be won if the United States had enough public support. Anti-war “doves” included both people who opposed the war ideologically, considering it to be unjust, and people who just believed the war was unwinnable. The number of doves increased over the course of the war. The war was also criticized for its costliness that led to more government spending and inflation. In this cartoon, Johnson faces criticism not only from hawks and doves, but also from "Pentagon parrots" or military leaders and "owls" or intellectuals.
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 of Publication
New Orleans
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