Puck — April 2, 1879 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Puck Magazine Political Cartoon Analysis - April 2, 1879 **The Main Cartoon: "The Southern Cock"** This depicts a rooster (symbolizing the American South) crowing loudly while standing atop debris labeled with post-Civil War issues: "Reconstruction," "Southern Claims," and references to Northern "hamstrung" power. A small figure (likely representing the North or Republican leadership) warns the rooster to crow on its own dunghill but not so loudly as to break the peace. **Political Context:** The cartoon satirizes Southern Democrats' aggressive reassertion of power during Reconstruction's end (1877-1879). The rooster's crowing represents Southern political reclamation. A sign references "Boss Jeff Davis" and the 1881 presidential election, suggesting Southern Democratic resurgence threatened national stability. The satire mocks both Southern aggression and Northern weakness in enforcing post-war reforms.