A Short History of General F. Sigel, from the Histories of Generals series (N114) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco 1888

This small chromolithograph was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a promotional item for their tobacco products. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer us a glimpse into the construction of historical narratives. The card features General Franz Sigel, a German immigrant who became a Union hero during the Civil War. His story was particularly appealing to German immigrants, many of whom, like Sigel, ardently opposed slavery. The image of Sigel carrying the American flag on the right panel evokes themes of liberty and valor, but also subtly links his military service to notions of American identity and belonging. Note the careful composition of the card, which aims to associate the general's image with the qualities of "honest" tobacco. This speaks to the prevailing social and cultural values of the time, where military heroism and patriotism were marketable commodities. The card reflects an era grappling with questions of national identity, immigration, and the commodification of history.