Prohibition Cartoons

A Prohibition Cartoon by James Montgommery Flagg (Life Magazine, 1922)

James Montgomery Flagg (1877 – 1960) was one of the most celebrated illustrators of this era. He had been a contributing cartoonist for the old LIFE MAGAZINE since he was fourteen years old and he, like many of his colleagues, had a grand old time with the subject of Prohibition.


To read a satirical essay written and illustrated by James Montgomery Flagg, click here..

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Get Used to Drinking Water (The New York World, 1920)

One year into the noble experiment, cartoonist Rollin Kirby (1875 – 1952) penned this editorial gag which clearly indicated that the nation was being lorded-over by a bunch of prudes.


In the August, 1932, issue of VANITY FAIR MAGAZINE the Conde Nast editors sang high praise for Rollin Kirby while writing their ‘Hall of Fame’ nomination:

Because he is considered the finest political cartoonist in America; because he has thrice won the Pulitzer Prize; because he was once a successful magazine illustrator; because he invented the high-hatted Prohibition figure…


1920s Prohibition created a criminal climate that appealed to more women than you ever might have suspected…

Get Used to Drinking Water (The New York World, 1920) Read More »