Life — April 16, 1925 — page 17: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon contrasts past and present. On the left stands a figure in colonial/revolutionary-era military uniform, representing America's founding period. On the right lie scattered items including what appears to be a torn "Liberty" banner or flag, along with debris and discarded objects on the floor. The caption's question—"What changes time has wrought!"—suggests ironic commentary on American decline or corruption since the nation's founding ideals. The juxtaposition implies that the revolutionary principles of liberty have been abandoned or destroyed, replaced by decay and disorder. The cartoon criticizes how far the nation has strayed from its original values, though the specific historical moment referenced remains unclear without publication date context.