The Wasp — 1888 — page 258: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes violent labor suppression, likely from the early 20th century. The image depicts mounted figures with whips attacking workers or civilians on the ground. The title "The Cossacks' Raid" uses "Cossacks"—historically associated with Russian imperial brutality—as shorthand for aggressive police or militia forces. The cartoon appears to criticize American authorities for employing Cossack-like tactics against workers or protesters. The figures being attacked are shown prone and defenseless, emphasizing the violence's one-sidedness. This reflects American labor movement controversies where police and hired security violently dispersed strikes and demonstrations during the Progressive Era. The satire equates American law enforcement brutality with imperial Russian oppression, a damning comparison for contemporary readers.