Skip to main content
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Forewarned Is Forearmed!
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Forewarned Is Forearmed!

Artifact ID1966.64.238
Artist (United States, 1907 - 1981)
Publisher (founded 1885)
Date ca. October 1965
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 10 7/8 in x W 14 1/2 in x D (27.6 cm x 36.8 cm x 0 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. On the far side of a globe, a man (identifiable as Mao Tse-tung) yells, "We will encircle you!" and a Russian general holds a shovel and yells, "We will bury you!". In the foreground, a determined Uncle Sam rolls up his sleeves. Caption reads: "Forewarned Is Forearmed!". Artist signature lower left: "Bill McClanahan Dallas News -".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: "To our Texas President - Best wishes Bill -" "10/20/65".
Historical Note
During the Johnson administration and general postwar era, much foreign policy was dictated by the Cold War, the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union for political influence amidst decolonization, associated with proxy wars, ideological struggles, the nuclear arms race, and the space race. In 1964, China detonated its first atomic bomb, leading to a third power to rival the other two.

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 personally, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1970.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
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 Mao Tse-tung (China, 1893 - 1976)
Not on view
Place Described
Place of Publication