Analyzing a Political
Comic Book Prepared for the 1948 Campaign
Missouri Show Me
Standards Objectives: FA2, CA5, SS7, SS6
Grade Levels: Elementary, Middle School and Senior High
This Comic
Book, summarizing the life of Harry S. Truman from his birth in 1884
to his role as president after WWII, was produced by the Democratic Party
as a political propaganda tool. There are several ways this comic book
can be used in a classroom setting to enhance your communication arts,
fine arts or social studies lessons. These suggestions can be adopted
or adapted for all grade levels.
Biography Writing:
When focusing on biography
writing, students can view this comic book as an example of a unique way
of summarizing the life of an individual, rather than using a standard
essay format. Print off copies of the comic book and have students analyze
its contents and the brainstorm what parts are effective and how the story
of this person's life progresses through the pages. If groups or partners
are researching famous people, they can use this comic book as an example
of sticking to basic and interesting facts to provide a quick and effective
summary of someone's life. Students could then produce comic books of
individuals they are studying.
Fine arts:
In a fine arts setting,
cartoons are not always considered. This booklet and other comic books
could be analyzed for common traits of this art form and discuss why this
art form has been an effective example of using art as a communication
tool. What basic concepts are used in each comic book viewed?
Compare and contrast
Truman biographies:
Students can compare
and contrast the information in the comic
book with the information provided in the brief biographies listed
on line at:
Make a list of what
was different in each. Which information seemed most accurate? Which information
seemed most interesting? Decide on questions they now have on Truman that
were not answered in these three resources.
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