“NOT EVEN-HANDED JUSTICE: Crushing the scorpion of anarchy but sparing the octopus of monopoly”, Artist William A. Rogers, published in Harper’s Weekly, January 21, 1888.

(Snark: Seems kind of apt, given the Occupy movement and response to it. Some things don’t change.)

Image source: Railroad Cartoons Home, http://sophia.smith.edu/~maldrich/topics/political_influence/1888harpersjan21.htm (accessed 12-11-2011)

“Union-busting, 1950s (or early 1960s)”

[VA: I have no words]

[VA: I’ve lost who submitted this, I thought the information would be ‘stuck’ to the post, but apparently I was wrong. If it was you, and you want your name/website associated, please contact me via “Ask” button.]

Another monopoly octopus from “drafts” folders with no information or notes. I think I may have poached it from Getty Images… Circa 1920s.

Book cover for “De groote Olie octopus, door Truth onderzocht” (The Great Oil Octopus by Truth Examined)‎. ‎Amsterdam, L.J. Veen. Conflicting dates: first published 1910, reprinted 1925?

Dutch Anti-trust/Anti-capitalism criticising oil companies including Esso and Rockefeller.

References: Antiqbook, http://www.antiqbook.nl/boox/vvliet/12028.shtml 
Image Source: International Institute of Social History, Collection: IISG, Call # BG C12/589. (Accessed: 23rd Oct, 2010)

 

“A Horrible Monster”, published in Daily Graphic, July 19th, 1880, New York.

(This has been on Vulgar Army previously; this is a clearer, more detailed from Super I.T.C.H.)

Cartoon criticising ‘the pollution of New York’s air by the Standard Oil plant at Hunters Point, New York. The caption reads “A Horrible Monster, whose tentacles spread poverty, disease, death, and which is the primal cause of nuisances at Hunters Point”.

• “Beautiful Villas on The East River Rendered Uninhabitable” (showing buildings by river with “To Let” signs)
• “Interrupted Pleasures” (Family & brass band holding cloths to nose & mouth)
• “Offensive to the Last” (“Hunters Point Ladies Cabin”, smoke stacks in background)
• “Disease and Death” (Mother grieving over dead child)
• “A Whiff From Hunters Point” (Diners holding handkerchiefs to mouths)

Original Image source: Kovarik, W. ”Industrial Revolution: 1810 – 1890″ Environmental History Timeline

“The Standard Oil Octopus”, Daily Graphic, Tues 4th Feb 1879, New York. Vol LXVIII, No.1.

Octopus constructed of pipes and barrels, and capitalist harpies in a wasteland. Very early (1879) octopus political cartoon. “$10,000,000 Profits in 4 Months.”

“Railroad monopolist & stock market manipulator William Vanderbilt is the top right vulture flying overhead. The other two vultures, are brothers William (left) and John ( lower right) Rockefeller, who owned the Standard Oil refinery. ” (SuperITCH)

Source: Super I.T.C.H. May 26 2010 (Accessed: 19th Sept 2010)