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The origin of cartoon
Cartoons are used to comment and report on the Civil War. Cartoonists are particularly drawn to using Abraham Lincoln as their subject. -
The first cartoon film
The Enchanted Drawing is released by Blackton. It is the first silent film to include animated sequences. Because of this, Blackton is considered the father of American animation. -
The first animated cartoon
J. Stuart Blackton releases Humorous Phases of Funny Faces -
Walt Disney
Walt Disney begins making short animated cartoons based on children's stories. -
Mickey Mouse
Mickey Mouse is introduced. He is featured in the first ever animated sound cartoon, the short film Steamboat Willie. It is also the debut of his girlfriend Minnie. -
Donald Duck
Donald Duck makes his debut in Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies cartoon, The Wise Little Hen. -
Snow White
Walt Disney Productions premieres Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It is the first feature length cel animated film. Cel animation is the technique where every frame of the film is drawn by hand. It is also the first animated feature to receive a widespread release. -
Pinocchio
Pinocchio is released in theaters. It is the second animated feature film released by Walt Disney. Pinocchio is innovative in its effects animation, showing realistic movements of machines, vehicles, water, smoke, and shadows. -
The Lion King
The Lion King, is released in theaters. It becomes the highest-grossing film of 1994. The movie wins two Academy Awards and becomes the highest-grossing hand-drawn animated film in history. The film spawns a sequel, prequel, and a hit Broadway adaptation. -
Frozen
Disney's Frozen premieres in Hollywood at the El Capitan Theater. Many critics consider the film to be the best Disney has made in years. The movie is a massive success with audiences, making nearly 1.3 billion dollars worldwide. It becomes the highest-grossing animated film of all time. -
Cinderella
Walt Disney releases Cinderella. The film includes the animated short Frozen Fever, a mini-sequel to Frozen. Directed by Oscar nominee Kenneth Branagh and featuring Oscar winner Cate Blanchett as the Wicked Stepmother, Cinderella opens to positive reviews and huge box office.
