Life — July 1, 1897 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Historical Commentary on Early American Colonies This page presents satirical strips depicting the settlement history of American colonies. The top panel labeled "THE DISCOVERY" shows Native Americans encountering European explorers, with colonial figures gesturing dramatically. The subsequent panels labeled "AT PLYMOUTH," "PENN," and "THE NINETEENTH CENTURY" trace colonial progression through different founding narratives. The final panel appears to show 19th-century social problems including disease and poverty, suggesting a satirical commentary on how colonial ideals deteriorated over time. The satire likely critiques romanticized founding narratives by contrasting idealized colonial settlement images with realistic depictions of later societal problems—poverty, disease, and hardship—implying that America's founding promises weren't fulfilled.