Calderwood Writing Course: U.S. History
Imperialism and the Spanish–American War

Imperialism in Political Cartoons

"A picture is worth a thousand words"

The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” proved true in the debate over the United States’ imperialist ambitions before, during, and in the aftermath of the Spanish–American War. People in 1898 had varying levels of literacy, and political cartoons in newspapers and magazines reached a wider audience than articles. The cartoons continued to shape public opinion after the war had ended and America had acquired overseas territories.

Examine these political cartoons from the era. Click each cartoon to enlarge.

Uncle Sam with fishing line hooking Spanish islands

“Opening of the fishing season. Uncle Sam seems to be making a good catch!” from The Journal, Minneapolis, 1898

Political cartoon of Uncle Sam holding a fishing rod with lines going to fish that look like Cuba and the Philippines.
Here again, Uncle Sam is a symbol of the United States. He is depicted as a fisherman catching fish that represent the new overseas territories. What comment does the cartoonist seem to be making about U.S. foreign policy?  
Rotund Uncle Sam on a scale after the War of 1898

"Before and After..." from Cartoons of Our War with Spain by Charles Nelan, 1898

Political cartoon of Uncle Sam who says to doctor, "After four months use of your Great Humanitarian-Expansion-Specific. You wouldn’t know me. I am getting fatter and fatter and never felt better in my life."
This cartoon is a parody of a before/after "diet" advertisement. The names of the new territories hang as ribbons from Uncle Sam's belt in the "after" picture. What is the cartoonist implying about the "humanitarian" concerns that led the United States to "expansion"?
Cartoon of Uncle Sam with children representing new territories pulling on him.

“How some apprehensive people picture Uncle Sam after the war.” From The News, Detroit, 1899

Political cartoon shows children representing the newly acquired territories clinging onto Uncle Sam and making pandemonium.
Consider how the cartoonist depicts the new territories as "children" and what that says about the benefits and drawbacks of ruling the new territories. Do you think the cartoonist supports Beveridge’s argument that non-whites are incapable of ruling their own countries, or is the cartoonist offering an argument against the imperialists?

Take Notes

For each cartoon, consider the question in its caption to take notes on any pro- or anti-imperialist arguments you see (either stated or implied).  

Calderwood Writing Course: U.S. History

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