Political cartoonist Thomas Nast's image of modern Santa Claus

Thomas Nash was credited with helping to win the Union cause during the Civil War in the 1860’s by President Lincoln himself.  This was by influencing public opinion and recruitment efforts.  He waged a battle against political corruption in New York City in the 1870’s and against Boss Tweed resulting in the end of his administration and political career.

He is known to have created some memorable symbolism in his cartoons which is still common place today.  The “Tammany Tiger” that was prominent in the 1870’s in his fight with the New York political structure of the time has faded into history.  The Democratic “donkey” and Republican “elephant” are known as the symbols representing the two parties which dominate the American political system to this day.  They were both originally intended as negative caricatures, but are now embraced by each party.

Another caricature he is responsible for is the modern appearance of Santa Claus in the mind of the public as a fat and jolly elderly man with eyeglasses and a pudgy build.  These cartoons were created during the time period in which the Civil War took place.

Thomas Nast’s popularity and political power lessened after 1880.  This was due to differences of opinion with his the leadership change that took place at Harper’s Weekly, new technologies of the time in the newspaper industry, financial setbacks, and his own loss of interest in politics.  He died of yellow fever in Ecuador in 1902 after taking a political position in the administration of Teddy Roosevelt.