"Islands Issue" Cartoon
Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.83
Object Type
Editorial Cartoon
Date
1961
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. Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon are fighting over an hatchet labeled "Island Issue" in a tug of war. JFK says "I'm willing to drop it- if you are".
Historical NoteThis polictical cartoon reflects the opposing opinions of Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon during the 1960 U.S. presidential campaign which revolved around the defense of the Quemoy and Matsu Islands, two small territories off the coast of China controlled by the nationalist government of Taiwan. Kennedy argued that the U.S. should not commit to defending these islands, as they were not strategically important and could potentially drag the U.S. into an unnecessary war with Communist China. Nixon, on the other hand, supported defending Quemoy and Matsu as part of the broader U.S. commitment to containing communism and protecting Taiwan.
The 1960 campaign debate highlighted the candidates differing approaches to Cold War foreign policy: Kennedy took a more cautious stance to avoid escalating tensions, while Nixon emphasized a strong, anti-communist position in line with U.S. commitments in the region.
Additional DetailsThe 1960 campaign debate highlighted the candidates differing approaches to Cold War foreign policy: Kennedy took a more cautious stance to avoid escalating tensions, while Nixon emphasized a strong, anti-communist position in line with U.S. commitments in the region.
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)
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