---
title: The Union as It Was
author: Thomas Nast
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21892/the-union-as-it-was/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2026-06-22
---
# The Union as It Was
_Authored by Thomas Nast_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21892.jpg)
## Image Caption
*The Union as it was*, wood engraving by Thomas Nast, 1874.
Illustrated here by Thomas Nast are two clasping figures, members of White supremacist paramilitary organizations, standing astride a shield depicting a terrorized Black family in the postbellum United States. The end of slavery was also a new beginning of murderous violence and intimidation, as every means was taken to prevent the promise of integration, liberty, and a voice for a newly free people.
Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Nast, T. (2026, June 22). The Union as It Was. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Nast, Thomas. "The Union as It Was." *World History Encyclopedia*, June 22, 2026. .
### MLA
Nast, Thomas. "The Union as It Was." *World History Encyclopedia*, 22 Jun 2026, .
## License & Copyright
The public domain content above is from the [Library of Congress](http://www.loc.gov/). You can copy it freely. [Original image](https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2001696840/) by [**Thomas Nast**](https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2001696840/). Submitted by [Zachary Kay](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/zacharykay/ "User Page: Zachary Kay"), published on 22 June 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.