"To Replace with An Iron Clad Protection?" Cartoon
Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.84
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 (right) is carrying an armful of "New Negotiations" while kicking a broken umbrella labeled with past concessions on Berlin offered in 1959, such as "Reduce Allied Garrison" and "Controls on Allied Propaganda". Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev appears stern and disapproving in the background. Caption reads: "To Replace with An Iron Clad Protection?" referring to the Berlin wall.
Historical NoteThis polictical cartoon relates to Cold War tensions over Berlin, particularly leading up to the 1961 Vienna Summit between President Kennedy and Soviet Premier Khrushchev. The Soviets had long pressured the U.S. to withdraw from West Berlin, arguing it should be apart of East Germany. In 1958, Khrushchev demanded that allies leave West Berlin within six months, a move the U.S. resisted.
Kennedy, elected in 1960, inherited the Berlin problem, previous negotiations that weakened the Western position are symbolized in this cartoon by the broken umbrella. Kennedy sought another round of negotiations, but Khrushchev saw Kennedy as inexperienced and weak, leading to a tense confrontation at the 1961 Vienna Summit between the two leaders. Soon after, the Berlin wall was built (August 1961) leaving the city physically divided.
Additional DetailsKennedy, elected in 1960, inherited the Berlin problem, previous negotiations that weakened the Western position are symbolized in this cartoon by the broken umbrella. Kennedy sought another round of negotiations, but Khrushchev saw Kennedy as inexperienced and weak, leading to a tense confrontation at the 1961 Vienna Summit between the two leaders. Soon after, the Berlin wall was built (August 1961) leaving the city physically divided.
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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