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Cartoon, Twopenny Politics (Gladstone and Bright)
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Cartoon, Twopenny Politics (Gladstone and Bright)
Cartoon, Twopenny Politics -- a satirical comment on electoral reform, as promoted by Liberal politicians John Bright and William Gladstone. Lord John Russell appears as a gipsy woman, and Edmond Beales, a radical reformer and Reform League President, as a frowning dog. John Bull and respectable-looking workmen stand further back to the right, looking worried or disapproving. Date: 1868
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Media ID 23361510
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1868 Analogy Birmingham Bright Caravan Comment Disreputable Fairground Gipsy Gladstone Gypsy Liberal Plump Politicians Russell Satire Satirical 1860s Cheapjack
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This satirical cartoon, titled "Twopenny Politics" from 1868, provides a vivid commentary on the electoral reform debates that dominated British politics during the Victorian era. The cartoon features prominent Liberal politicians John Bright and William Gladstone, who were advocating for reforms to expand the franchise and reduce the power of property qualifications in elections. In this analogy, Gladstone and Bright are depicted as a plump and fat Lord John Russell, disguised as a gipsy woman, offering "twopence worth" of reforms from the back of a caravan. Edmond Beales, a radical reformer and Reform League President, is portrayed as a frowning dog, symbolizing the discontent and frustration of the working class with the existing political system. John Bull and respectable-looking workmen stand further back to the right, looking worried or disapproving. The setting of the fairground and the use of a cheapjack, or traveling salesman, analogy underscores the perception that political reform was being peddled as a cheap and disreputable commodity. The cartoon reflects the complex and often contentious nature of political debates surrounding electoral reform in 1860s Britain. It also highlights the role of satire and humor in shaping public opinion and engaging the public in political discourse. This image offers a valuable insight into the political climate of the time and the ways in which cartoons were used to comment on and influence the political landscape.
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