Since the 19th century, the Democratic donkey and the Republican elephant have been enduring symbols of American politics, resurfacing every election cycle in cartoons, campaigns, and even memes.

But how did these symbols come to represent the two main political parties, and why have they persisted despite their seemingly mocking origins?

The answer lies in the work of one of the first great American political cartoonists, Thomas Nast, whose biting satire and vivid imagination shaped these icons.

Origins of the democratic donkey

The Democratic Party’s association with the donkey dates back to
Andrew Jackson’s Presidential campaign of 1828. Nicknamed “moron” by his opponents, Jackson – military hero and first Democratic president – ​​did not hesitate to use this label.

Instead, he embraced it, even putting a donkey on his campaign posters. The image was simple but effective, portraying Jackson as a stubborn but determined man, willing to carry the burdens of ordinary people.

The donkey gained popularity in the 1870s when Thomas Nast popularized it as a symbol of the entire Democratic Party through his illustrations for Harper’s Weekly. Nast’s sharp and critical cartoons helped cement the donkey as a symbol of the Democrats, characterizing the party as stubborn but resilient.

In one of his notable cartoons from 1879, Nast showed the donkey swinging precariously by its tail, on the brink of “financial chaos.” This cartoon offered a critique of Democratic policies during the economically turbulent Gilded Age, a theme he would revisit in his later work.

The Republican Elephant

The story of the origin of the Republican elephant is also linked to Nast’s artistic talent. While the elephant had appeared in Civil War imagery as a symbol of bravery in battle, it was Nast’s 1874 cartoon, “Third Term Panic,” that firmly linked the creature to the Republican Party.

In this cartoon, Nast made fun of The New York Herald rumors that the American president
Ulysses S Grant was considering a third term, describing the newspaper as a donkey wearing a lion’s skin and instilling fear among other animals.

Among these was an elephant titled “The Republican Vote,” shown teetering on the edge of a pit, suggesting that the party was in danger of following Grant blindly.

The impact of the cartoon was profound; the elephant was quickly adopted as an emblem of the GOP in later political art. “Seeing the elephant” was already a Civil War slang term for significant combat or challenges, so Nast’s use of the animal resonated with audiences.

Over time, the symbol’s initial suggestion of panic and instability faded, and the elephant came to signify the strength, endurance, and loyalty of the group.

Nast and his legacy

Beyond his political cartoons, Thomas Nast left an indelible mark on American culture. Known for his uncompromising satire, Nast was a fearless critic, using his art to expose the corruption of figures like William “Boss” Tweed of Tammany Hall.

His 1871 caricature of the Tammany Tiger tearing up justice was a memorable attack on the New York political machine, symbolizing the ferocity with which Nast pursued what he saw as abuses of power.

Nast’s influence extended far beyond the realm of political satire. He is also recognized for having shaped the
modern image of Santa Claus, transforming the traditional figure of Saint Nicholas into the jolly, rotund Santa Claus we recognize today.

How both sides adopted these mascots

Although Nast’s work initially presented the symbols of both parties in a critical light – depicting the Democrats’ donkey as stubborn and the Republicans’ elephant as cumbersome and easy to lead – these icons became valuable symbols for their parties respective.

Given the mediocrity of both animals in Nast’s original drawings, it is interesting that both major American political parties adopted their mascots.

Indeed, Nast’s donkey and elephant now adorn pins, posters and merchandise at rallies and conventions across the country, embodying the self-awareness with which both parties have come to celebrate their identify.

Even today, these animal symbols carry an implicit commentary on the traits associated with each party: resilience and steadfastness for Democrats, strength and reliability for Republicans.

Through his satire, Nast was able to create symbols that, although initially unflattering, ended up being adopted by both sides.

Read also:
How did red and blue become synonymous with Republicans and Democrats?

With the contribution of agencies

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