"Big Wheel From Ford" Cartoon
Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.62
Object Type
Editorial Cartoon
Date
1962
Artist
Ferman Martin
(Cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle, American, 1899-1977)
Publisher
The Houston Chronicle
(American Newspaper, founded 1901)
Medium
Charcoal, pencil, ink on paper
DimensionsOverall H 16 1/4 in x W 14 in (41.3 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionOriginal black and white cartoon drawing. John F. Kennedy forcefully pushes a "Big Wheel" with a face inside labeled "McNamara" to a Ford car "Secretary of Defense" in need of a tire. Caption reads: "Big Wheel From Ford".
Historical NoteThis political cartoon reflects Robert McNamara's position as Secretary of Defense in the Kennedy Administration as a key figure in U.S. defense policy. Prior to this role, McNamara was an executive at Ford Motor Company, where he modernized its management and became know as a "Whiz Kid".
When Kennedy appointed McNamara to Secretary of Defense, he valued his corporate, analytical approach which emphasized systems analysis and efficiency. This cartoon depicts McNamara's transition from Ford to the Pentagon, portraying him as a "Big Wheel" in the Defense Department with JFK actively pushing forward his role. Robert McNamara was a driving force in reshaping U.S. military and nuclear defense policy.
Additional DetailsWhen Kennedy appointed McNamara to Secretary of Defense, he valued his corporate, analytical approach which emphasized systems analysis and efficiency. This cartoon depicts McNamara's transition from Ford to the Pentagon, portraying him as a "Big Wheel" in the Defense Department with JFK actively pushing forward his role. Robert McNamara was a driving force in reshaping U.S. military and nuclear defense policy.
Custodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction Note© The Houston Cronicle
Use of this image is restricted. Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will notinfringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply.It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.In Collection(s)
Not on view
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