State Historical Society of Iowa

"The Americanese Wall," March 25, 1916

 Download Image Resource

Courtesy of Library of Congress, "The Americanese wall - as Congressman [John Lawson] Burnett would build it," 25 March 1916

Description

This political cartoon shows Uncle Sam behind a high wall marked "Literacy Test," which is spiked with pen points. The message on the political cartoon reads: "You're welcome, if you can climb it."

Transcript of "The Americanese Wall"

Source Dependent Questions

  • How did the artist visually convey what immigrants would have to do to climb the Americanese Wall? What resources and support do you think many would likely need in order to do so?
  • Using evidence from the cartoon, make an inference about the artist's opinion of Congressman Burnett's proposed literacy test legislation.
  • Why might a literacy test make it difficult for immigrants to succeed?

Citation Information

"The Americanese wall - as Congressman [John Lawson] Burnett would build it," 25 March 1916. Courtesy of Library of Congress Courtesy of Library of Congress