Political Cartoon: Hot Air Balloon

click on image for larger version

Lewis Walpole Library, Yale University

This print was published in London in 1783. The Revolutionary War between the Colonies of North America and England had been going on for eight long years. For much of that time, it seemed to many that the British would be victorious. But by 1783 the British had less reason to think a victory was near because of the help that the Colonies were receiving from France. In fact, by the end of 1783 the Colonies could claim victory thanks to that help. This cartoon seems to be expressing England’s last hopes in 1783 to win the war and bring down the hot air balloon named “America.”

As everyone can agree, George Washington emerged from that long conflict as the preeminent hero of the new country, the United States of America. He had led the army through years of fighting and could finally claim victory. He eventually was elected America’s first president in recognition of his great leadership. So it is no surprise to find him depicted in the cartoon (figure No. 10 in the cartoon) sailing in the hot air balloon named “America.” It is less easy for the twenty first century observer to understand Silas Deane’s presence (figure No. 9 in the cartoon) in the same hot air balloon as the much revered George Washington.

Silas Deane Online attempts make its users aware of Silas Deane’s contributions to the Revolution and to answer the question: Why would Silas Deane be in the same balloon as George Washington? Discover Deane and Washington and John Adams starting off together at the First Continental Congress. Learn about Deane’s contributions to the taking of Fort Ticonderoga and the Battle of Saratoga. Follow Deane to Paris as he begins the negotiations that will end with France becoming a full ally of the United States and the provider of many goods and officers that will help win the long war. And finally, learn of some of the trials and tribulations Deane encountered at the end of his life that prevented his name from being uttered along with Washington and Adams.