Primary sourcePainting1856

Forcing Slavery Down the Throat of a Freesoiler

John L. Magee · 1856

An 1856 political cartoon attacking Pierce and Douglas for forcing pro-slavery policy on Kansas settlers.

This cartoon depicts Pierce being attacked for forcing pro-slavery policy on Kansas, reflecting Northern anger at his administration.

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Black-and-white lithograph cartoon. A giant reclining man's head with his mouth forced open lies on a platform. Small figures pry his jaw open while a Black man is being pushed headfirst into his mouth. A speech balloon reads 'MURDER!!! help-neighbors help, O my poor Wife and Children.' On the right, two men pull a rope tied around the head, labeled Democratic Platform. Labels read Cuba, Kansas, and Central America. Caption below reads 'Forcing Slavery Down the Throat of a Freesoiler.' — John L. Magee, Forcing Slavery Down the Throat of a Freesoiler, 1856. Library of Congress.

About this source

What it is

This is a lithograph cartoon made in 1856 by John L. Magee, held by the Library of Congress. It shows a giant man being forced to swallow a Black man while two figures labeled with the Democratic Platform pull at him, with labels referencing Cuba, Kansas, and Central America.

Why it matters

The cartoon was made by opponents of the Democratic Party to attack President Pierce and Senator Stephen Douglas over their Kansas policy, which let settlers decide on slavery through popular sovereignty. It captures the anger of Northern free-soilers who felt slavery was being imposed on them by force, and shows how political art of the time used racist caricature to make its point.

Look closer

What is the cartoon accusing Pierce and Douglas of doing?
Why do you think the artist chose such violent, exaggerated imagery?
How does the racist depiction of the Black figure reflect attitudes of the time, even among people opposed to slavery's expansion?

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