Olympic Year
Artifact ID1973.1.2078
Object Type
Cartoon Drawing
Artist
John Collins
(United States, 1917 - 2007)
Publisher
Montreal Gazette
(Canada)
Gifter
John Collins
Medium
Ink on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/8 in x W 10 3/4 in (35.9 cm x 27.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionPhysical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ ("U.S. Sprint Star") sits in a chair and says, "Ah will not run". A man (identifiable as Charles De Galle) ("French Strong Man") holds up a weight (“Ballot box”). A man (identifiable as Harold Wilson) falls over hurdles ("British Hurdles") (“Market”, “Rhodesia”, and “Economy”). On a rowboat, two men ("Volga Boatmen") (“Czechs etc.” and “Russia”) pull against each other. Next to Russia, there is a flag with the hammer and sickle symbol. Another man stands next to a sign (“Paris Talks”) and looks at an event (“The Marathon”) and says, “They’re going around again?”. Caption: “Olympic Year”. Additional text at lower left: “The Gazette”. Additional text at lower right: “Montreal”. Artist signature lower right: "John Collins”.
Historical NoteOn March 31, 1968, Lyndon Johnson announced that he was withdrawing from the presidential race so he could focus on ending the Vietnam War. He also announced a partial bombing halt in Vietnam. In May 1968, Charles de Gaulle was publicly called to step down. On November 11, 1965, Ian Smith, the prime minister of Southern Rhodesia declared independence from the United Kingdom with the Unilateral Declaration of Independence. It was governed by the white minority. The United Kingdom responded with economic sanctions. On November 18, 1967, the Pound Sterling lost 14% of its value. North Vietnam did not want to recognize the government of South Vietnam and had the goal of reunification, while South Vietnam did not recognize the National Liberation Front. Meanwhile, the United States followed Containment policy, hoping to keep Communism from diffusing to other Southeast Asian nations, and aimed to leave Vietnam without the humiliation of defeat. In early 1968, Alexander Dubcek, the new leader of Czechoslovakia, created new reforms that allowed for more freedom of speech and the press. The other Warsaw Pact nations invaded Prague and killed protestors.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)
Person Referenced
Harold Wilson
(Great Britian, 1916 - 1995)
Person Referenced
Aleksey N. Kosygin
(Soviet Union, 1904 - 1980)
Person Referenced
W. Averell Harriman
(United States, 1891 - 1986)
Person Referenced
Charles de Gaulle
(France, 1890 - 1970)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place Described
Place of Publication