Arguably the most well-known cartoon from the 1800s, as well as the most famous depiction of America itself, the cartoon Uncle Sam came into existence on March 13, 1852. However, it’s not the one you’re thinking of, with the famous slogan “I want you for the U.S. army.” It was actually making fun of America, saying that Britain was doing everything for the US economy. However, it quickly grew in popularity along with Lady Liberty as mascots for the American people and government. The name originated from the war of 1812, when the meatpacker stamped everything with “U.S”, standing for United States. Soldiers joked that all the meat was from “Uncle Sam” and it soon became a euphemism for the government and American spirit. He was then popularized in WWI by the iconic poster drawn by J.M. Flagg. Since then, he has become a cultural icon, being parodied even by our own Academian staff in a decent attempt to recruit people, proving that he is deeply embedded in the American culture.

Photo by Sharefaith: https://www.pexels.com/photo/flag-of-america-1202723/