Private, Cavalry, United States Army, 1847, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This small chromolithograph, made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, was issued as a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. It depicts a U.S. Army Cavalry private from 1847. These cards, which were enormously popular, tell us a lot about the cultural and political climate of the United States at the end of the 19th century. Mass-produced images like this one helped shape popular perceptions of American history, especially military history, and fostered a sense of national identity. Note the date of 1847 printed on the card. This was during the Mexican-American War, a conflict that resulted in the United States acquiring vast new territories. The card subtly promotes a narrative of American expansionism and military prowess. By examining company archives, historical records, and the cultural context of the time, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and political forces that shaped not only the production of this image but its reception.