Donkey and Elephant: The Symbols of Democratic and Republican Parties

A Brief History of the Democratic Donkey

The Democratic Party's symbol is a donkey, which can be interpreted as either a sign of humility or stubbornness, depending on one's political perspective. The Democrats did not originally intend for the donkey to be their symbol, but it was adopted after it was used in a political cartoon by Thomas Nast in 1870.

The Republican Elephant

The Republican elephant, on the other hand, is seen as a symbol of strength and power. It was first used in a political cartoon by Nast in 1874, and it has been the party's symbol ever since. A fox in the bottom right corner of the cartoon represents the Democratic Party, which is often characterized as sly and cunning.

The Use of Animals in Political Symbols

The use of animals in political symbols is a common practice around the world. Animals are often chosen for their symbolic qualities, such as the donkey's humility or the elephant's strength. These symbols can help to create a strong visual identity for a political party, and they can also be used to convey a message about the party's values or beliefs.