Assignment:
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.
Select one of the following cartoons:
The Big Stick in the Caribbean Sea
Look closely at the cartoon you have selected and write down your initial reactions, you will not need to include these initial reactions your assignment, but they will help you complete the assignment once you have finished the exercise.
"Analyzing Primary Sources." You will find it 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.
After completing the activity, answer the following items:
Explain the character(s) in the cartoon.
Describe the symbols and actions the artist employs in the cartoon.
Describe the issues the cartoon raises.
Analyze and explain what the cartoon says about the consequences of the Spanish American War for the countries occupied.
Describe how your understanding of the cartoon changed after doing the analysis portion of exercise.