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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Open-End Pandora's Box
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Open-End Pandora's Box

Artifact ID1973.1.1547
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Publisher ()
Date ca. September 1967
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 17 1/4 in x W 14 1/8 in (43.8 cm x 35.9 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ looks at a huge box ("Vietnam"). The lid is propped open revealing four men ("Hawk Extremists”, “New Isolationists”, “New Left”, “Peaceniks") yelling at him. Caption: “Open-End Pandora's Box”. Artist signature lower left: "Pletcher”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: "For President Johnson, holder of the world's toughest job. E. Pletcher". Handwritten at lower right: “New Orleans Times-Picayune Sept. 1, 1967”.
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 Antiwar Movement (1964-1973) emerged in response to the Vietnam War and included many activist groups such as the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and the Yippies and used tactics such as mass demonstrations, sit-ins, teach-ins, and guerilla theater. The New Left refers to many leftwing social and political movements in the 1960s and 1970s such as the civil rights, women’s liberation, gay liberation, and antiwar movements. It is contrasted with the Old Left, which emphasizes labor movements.
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 Baines Johnson Library and Museum 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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