Judge — August 22, 1896 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1896 Judge cartoon depicts "Anarchy" as a central demonic figure standing on a pedestal, surrounded by caricatured anarchists and radical figures dancing or worshipping below. The pedestal lists anarchism's supposed goals: undermining American credit, destroying industries, and promoting violent schemes. The cartoon satirizes late-19th-century American anxieties about anarchism and radical political movements. The demons and grotesque figures represent how mainstream society viewed anarchists—as dangerous, irrational threats to capitalism and industrial society. A figure labeled "Bull" appears at bottom left, likely representing police response to anarchist agitation. This reflects the historical period following violent anarchist bombings and assassinations in America and Europe (1890s), when anarchism was widely portrayed as an existential threat requiring strong suppression.