Life — November 26, 1885 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Uncle Sam's Thanksgiving" (Life, November 26, 1885) This satirical cartoon depicts Uncle Sam (the bearded man on the right, representing the United States government) seated at a meager table with a woman (likely representing the American people or nation). The table is bare except for what appears to be minimal provisions—a stark contrast to traditional Thanksgiving abundance. The caption reads: "FOR WHAT LITTLE WE HAVE LET US BE THANKFUL." The satire criticizes economic hardship or government scarcity during this period. Rather than celebrating abundance, the cartoon sardonically suggests Americans should be grateful merely for surviving lean times. This likely references economic difficulties or political failures of the mid-1880s era, making a pointed commentary on diminished national prosperity or resources.