Thomas Nast (1840-1902) is widely regarded as the father of American political cartooning. With his masterful drawing skills he influenced the history of the United States through the medium of art. He amassed fame and fortune with his illustrations, which were instrumental in attacking civic corruption and tipping the balance in several presidential elections towards Republican presidents. Apart from many well-known American symbols such as the Democratic donkey, the Republican elephant, the Dollar Sign, the Tammany Tiger, Nast also created the jolly image of Santa Claus that we know today.