Hard Times
The Panic of 1837 struck hard at Americans of all social ranks. This anti-Democratic cartoon shows unemployed workers turning to drink; women and children begging in the streets; and fearful depositors withdrawing funds as their banks collapse. As the plummeting hot-air balloon in the background symbolizes, the rising “Glory” of an independent America was crashing to earth. © Museum of the City of New York, USA/The Bridgeman Art Library.