XYZ Affair 1797-98 Political Cartoon DBQ

This political cartoon primary source document with guiding questions (DBQ) and answer key was created with 7th graders in mind and is appropriate while studying XYZ Affair/Presidency of John Adams/Early Republic/Political Cartoons. This etching was created in 1798 by an English person and makes fun of a young "Madame America" being taken advantage of and robbed by the French. It is commentary on the infamous historical event known as the "XYZ Affair," which is explained in the Historical Background section. Students will answer basic observation questions which push them to examine the document closely. Clicking on the picture allows students to see the high-res version, which is key to answering the guiding questions thoughtfully and accurately. At first glance this political cartoon is challenging for middle school students. However, as they observe the various groups of people in the picture and discuss what those people are saying and doing, students gain an understanding of one artist's perspective on the tenuous relationship between America and France following the American and French Revolutions.