Explain why in the 1890s, political cartoons provided important commentary on the major economic, political, and social issues of the day. Cartoon artists employed symbolism, exaggeration, labeling, analogy, and irony to express their viewpoint. Understanding the historical context of a cartoon, and then analyzing that cartoon, can deepen our historical understanding of how people in the past experienced and thought about what was going on around them, in this case, we see how issues around American Imperialism were portrayed in popular culture.
Select one of the following cartoons:
Cartoon Choice 1: The Big Stick in the Caribbean Sea (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1f/Tr-bigstick-cartoon.JPG)
Closely read all the sections of course text chapters 4, 5, and 6 which cover U.S. involvement in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the Roosevelt Corollary.
Complete the “Analyzing Primary Sources” activity located in Chapter 4, Section 3 of the course text. It is very important to complete this activity, which is found under the section on Yellow Journalism. Please note you will not be able to view this on some devices and will need to use a computer.
To gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of the cartoon, read the following scholarly secondary source:
Ricard, S. (2006). The Roosevelt Corollary. Presidential Studies Quarterly, 36(1), 17-26. doi:10.1111/j.1741-5705.2006.00283.x
After reading the assigned chapters and sections of the course textbook, completing the activity, and reading the relevant scholarly secondary source, answer the following items:
Explain the character(s) in the cartoon.
Describe the symbols and actions the artist employs in the cartoon.
Utilize your textbook and secondary source to describe the historical context for your chosen cartoon.
Explain the historical events being referenced in the cartoon.
Analyze how the United States expanded its power and reach during these events.
Analyze the impact of American Imperialism both on the United States and those who fell under its jurisdiction.
The Analyzing Political Cartoons paper
Must be at least two double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Writing Center (Links to an external site.)’s APA Style (Links to an external site.)
