Topic: Symbols

Media  ›  image

The Federal Edifice, from the Massachusetts Centinel

This image is a political cartoon published during the debate over the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. It reflects the fact that by August 1788 eleven of the 13 states...
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The Malaysian Flag

In 1957, Malaysian men raise their flag after the British Parliament voted to make their country an independent and equal member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The flag’s crescent...
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The Providential Detection

In this cartoon from 1797, Jefferson’s political enemies portrayed the then-vice-president as dangerously pro-French, un-Christian, and un-American. Jefferson kneels ready to sacrifice the U.S. Constitution on the “altar of Gallic...
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Treatise on Trees

This is an image of olive branches, an ancient, traditional symbol of peace. In July 1775, the Second Continental Congress sent the so-called “Olive Branch” petition as a final effort...
Media  ›  image

Writing Desk

This is an image of the desk on which Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson drew the design for the lap desk which he used when traveling. A Philadelphia...