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Cartoon, Opening the Gate
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Cartoon, Opening the Gate
Cartoon, Opening the Gate; or, Coming events cast their shadows before. A comment on monopoly versus free trade. Date: 1845
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Media ID 20142371
© Bubblepunk
1840s 1845 Agriculture Cast Coming Farmer Free Gates Monopoly Opening Punch Shadow Shadows Smock
Cartoon, Opening the Gate - A Comment on Monopoly versus Free Trade (1845)
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a powerful political satire by an anonymous artist, published during a pivotal moment in British economic history. This print, a testament to the early Victorian era's political and social climate, can be found in the extensive collection of Mary Evans Prints Online. The image portrays a farmer in a smock, standing before a rural gate, as he hesitantly opens it to reveal a barren countryside beyond. The farmer's expression conveys uncertainty and apprehension, as he looks back over his shoulder at a thriving, productive farm. The caption above the scene reads, "Coming events cast their shadows before." The symbolism in this cartoon is rich with meaning. The gate represents the divide between free trade and monopoly, with the prosperous farm symbolizing the benefits of free trade, while the barren countryside represents the potential consequences of monopolistic practices. The farmer's decision to open the gate, despite the uncertainty, is a metaphor for the risks and rewards of embracing free trade. The 1840s were a time of significant economic change in Britain, with the Corn Laws, which protected the agricultural industry from foreign competition, being a major point of contention. The repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 marked a significant shift towards free trade, which had far-reaching consequences for the British economy and its agricultural sector. This cartoon serves as a poignant reminder of the political and economic debates that shaped the early Victorian era. Its enduring relevance lies in the ongoing importance of the balance between protectionism and free trade in shaping economic policy and its impact on society.
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