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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 Thinker
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

The Thinker

Artifact ID1979.190.9 (A)
Object Type Printing Plate Mold
Date ca.1940
Medium Paper mache
DimensionsOverall H 7 in x W 5 3/4 in (17.8 cm x 14.6 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionPaper cast of an editorial cartoon printing plate for the Lake Geneva Herald, Wisconsin, ca.1940-41. Uncle Sam poses as "The Thinker". Rows of crosses are in the background while a mob (“War Mongers”) is in the foreground, who say “If you don’t agree with us your [sic] a Nazi”, “I got a map”, “Freedom of seas but not save starvin children”, “England is fighting our war”, “I’m ready to fight”, and “Let’s you and him fight”. Caption: "Armistice Day - A good day for everyone to think". Artist signature at lower left: "Masterson".
Historical NoteBefore the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, many Americans were isolationist, or opposed to entering World War II, due to the amount of American casualties in World War I. Armistice Day honors November 11, 1918, the day of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. It was later expanded into Veterans' Day, honoring the veterans of all wars.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThis item was donated by Dr. John Roche to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in March 1979.
Credit LineGift of John P. Roche
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts to the LBJ Library (National Archives Identifier 189698391)
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.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Lake Geneva
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