In the fall of 1869, Thomas Nast drew an extremely hopeful depiction of universal suffrage and self-government under the soon-to-be-ratified 15th Amendment. “Uncle Sam” and “Columbia” preside over a Thanksgiving dinner for people from all nations under the gaze of three of Nast’s heroes—presidents Lincoln, Washington, and Grant—and a view of Castle Garden in New York City, then a main receiving point for immigrants.     

Nast’s cartoon is an example of how stereotypical images appear in even the most positive cartoons. Through his work, Nast makes clear his concern for the rights of Native Americans and Chinese immigrants, but almost always identifies them in cartoons with feathers in their hair and long braids.