Jackson Rifles, Michigan Militia, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph of the Jackson Rifles, Michigan Militia, was produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, sometime in the late nineteenth century as an advertisement for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards were a popular method of advertising at the time, and they offer us an insight into the cultural values of the period. Here, the figure is presented as a symbol of civic pride, valor, and strength. Consider the details: his formal stance, the neatness of his uniform, and the sword he holds, all indicators of discipline and readiness. But what kind of ‘readiness’ does the image evoke? Nineteenth-century America saw a surge in voluntary militia groups, reflecting the anxieties and concerns of the period, particularly around labor unrest. While ostensibly for defense, these groups were often used to suppress worker strikes and maintain social order. To fully understand the meaning of this image, we need to explore the complex social dynamics of the late 1800s: the rise of industrialization, the growing labor movement, and the use of military force to quell dissent. Cigarette cards may seem harmless, but they're embedded in a rich, and often troubled, historical context.