Analyzing Attitudes Through Editorial Cartoons—Imperialism Name:

Directions: For each placard, quickly sketch in the missing portion of the cartoon in the appropriate section. Then, carefully examine the cartoon with your partner, discuss and answer the corresponding questions.

PLACARD A

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  1. Which editorial cartooning techniques does the artist use in this cartoon?

  1. Who are the men on the lower left of the cartoon supposed to represent? The lower right?

  1. How, according to the cartoon, will the United States ultimately win in its battle over the men in the lower right and lower left corners?

  1. What does this cartoon imply about freedom?

  1. Evaluate the artist’s attitude toward imperialism—does the artist favor or oppose imperialism? Explain.

PLACARD B

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  1. Who is the man with the scissors supposed to represent? The man in the chair? The men looking in the hand mirror?

  1. Describe the analogy the cartoonist is using here—in other words, what is being compared?

  1. The cartoonist uses labeling extensively throughout this cartoon. What do the various labels seem to say about the impact of imperialism?

  1. Evaluate the artist’s attitude toward imperialism—does the artist favor or oppose imperialism? Explain.
PLACARD C
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  1. Who do the children in the front row represent?

  1. Who do the children in the back rows of the school room represent?

  1. Who do the two children near the door represent? The boy near cleaning the window?

  1. Who, according to the cartoon, has “learned” their lessons? How do you know?

  1. Who, according to the cartoon, has not “learned” their lessons? How do you know?

  1. Evaluate the artist’s attitude toward imperialism—does the artist favor or oppose imperialism?

PLACARD D

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  1. What is this timeline explaining?

  1. How does Uncle Sam change over time?

  1. Why does Uncle Sam change?

  1. What does the cartoonist imply is responsible for the 1899 version of Uncle Sam?

  1. Evaluate the artist’s attitude toward imperialism—does the artist favor or oppose imperialism? Explain.
PLACARD E
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  1. Who does the man in the water represent? The child in his arms? The people on the shore?

  1. What is the man providing the child? How do you know?

  1. What is the man’s attitude about his duty?

  1. How, according to the artist, is true freedom actually attained?

  1. Evaluate the artist’s attitude toward imperialism—does the artist favor or oppose imperialism? Explain.

PLACARD F

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  1. What is happening in this cartoon?

  1. Describe the reaction of both Uncle Sam and the child to the current situation.

  1. What has the cartoonist inserted to either side of Uncle Sam? Why?

  1. Evaluate the artist’s attitude toward imperialism—does the artist favor or oppose imperialism? Explain.

PLACARD G

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  1. Who do “Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” represent? How do you know?

  1. Describe the relationship between the two characters on the left.

  1. Describe the relationship between the two characters on the right.

  1. What is ironic about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’s actions?

  1. In using this particular analogy, the cartoonist is predicting the future. What does the cartoonist predict?

PLACARD H

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  1. How is England represented?

  1. How is the United States represented?

  1. Which of the people in the baskets seem to be more civilized? How do you know?

  1. Why does Uncle Sam appear to be so much more tired than John Bull?

  1. What obstacles must Uncle Sam and John Bull overcome?

  1. This cartoon plays on the concept of “The White Man’s Burden.” What do you think is the artist’s attitude toward imperialism? Explain.

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