In Mr. Mowry's class, they studied  U.S. History Through Comic Books. They looked at  WWII political cartoons and comic book covers through a gallery walk activity. The purpose of this activity is to serve as a bridge (and contrast) between the 1930's (the beginning of comic books) and the 1940's, both of which are part of the Golden Age of comics. The second, more important purpose, is to showcase how popular artists like Dr. Suess were mobilized to create war propaganda, whether that be in a political cartoon or superhero comic. Comics in the 1940's were almost entirely made as war propaganda for young boys - the future soldiers of America. In class, students walk around the room studying various political cartoons by Dr. Suess and comic covers during the 1940s while answering targeted questions geared to get them to think more deeply about the subject. In the background, to be enjoyed as they walk and after completing the assignment, is the original 1940's animated Superman cartoon, serving as a visual for the time period. Students can watch and learn the way people talk, dress, and what they value. Later this week and next week, students will be reading comics from the decade including Captain America fighting a swastika-wearing Red Skull, Superman confronting Nazis in America, and Batman fighting organized crime in Gotham. It is all about tying history to the comic book page!