Analyzing Political Cartoons

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 SeaLinks to an external site.

• 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 CorollaryLinks to an external site.. Presidential Studies Quarterly,       36(1), 17-26. doi:10.1111/j.1741-5705.2006.00283.x

Cartoon Choice 2: School BeginsLinks to an external site.

• Closely read all the sections of course textbook Chapters 4, 5, and 6 which cover U.S. imperialism in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the Philippines.
• Complete the “Analyzing Primary Sources” activity located in Chapter 4, Section 3 of the course textbook. 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:
  • Merriam, A. (1978). Racism in the Expansionist Controversy of 1898-1900Links to an external site..     Phylon), 39(4), 369-380. doi:10.2307/274902

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 CenterLinks to an external site.’s APA StyleLinks to an external site. resource.
• Must include a separate title page with the following:
  • Title of paper
  • Student’s name
  • Course name and number
  • Instructor’s name
  • Date submitted

For further assistance with the formatting and the title page, refer to APA Formatting for Microsoft WordLinks to an external site..

• Must utilize academic Your responses to the prompts should be accurate, thorough, and written in complete sentences. See the Academic VoiceLinks to an external site. resource for additional guidance.
• Must include an introduction and conclusion paragraph. Your introduction paragraph needs to end with a clear thesis statement that indicates the purpose of your paper.

For assistance on writing Introductions & ConclusionsLinks to an external site. as well as Writing a Thesis StatementLinks to an external site., refer to the Writing Center resources.

• Must use at least one quote from your course textbook as well as your scholarly secondary source.
• Must document any information used from sources in APA style as outlined in the Writing Center’s Citing Within Your PaperLinks to an external site. guide.
• Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Writing Center. See the Formatting Your References ListLinks to an external site. resource in the Writing Center for specifications.

Review the HIS206: Week 2 Sample Assignment  Download HIS206: Week 2 Sample Assignment to see the type of response your instructor will be looking for.