Cartoon Analysis HIstory

September 22, 2009

History

Political Cartoons Blog

Cartoon 1

The issue the cartoonist is addressing is the United States protection of Cuba from Spain. The cartoonist labels Spain as the villain the U.S as the hero and Cuba as the maiden in distress. He uses the analogy of a stage production to get across his point. The cartoonist’s opinion on the issue seems to be that the journalists are over dramatic in their portrayal in their problems between Spain and Cuba. The cartoon was created before the Spanish American war.

Cartoon 2

The issue the cartoonist is addressing is that many people believe that the U.S. will be so caught up in trying to add other territories just as it had recently added Hawaii, which would cause problems for the country. He labels all the territories: Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines, and Hawaii. He uses the symbol of a disheveled Uncle Sam who is overcome by children. His analogy of the father having trouble taking care of so many children represents America being involved with to many countries at once. This cartoon was created at the beginning of the Spanish American war.

Compare and Contrast

Compare

Both articles were either written before or after the war.

Both articles express negative feelings toward the U.S. going to war.

Contrast

The first article seems to warn the United States really shouldn’t jump in and save other countries from their problems by always being a hero.

The second article seems to say the before we go involved in a war we ought to think about how the results will affect our country.