Political Cartoon Analysis Imperialism Questions

Age of Imperialism Cartoon Analysis Directions: For each cartoon answer the questions on the following pages Cartoon B Cartoon A Cartoon C Visuals: 1) List the objects and people you see in the cartoon. Cartoon A- Eight imperial countries and the continent of Africa Cartoon B- A helpless man being attacked by a snake but the snake has the head of a king Cartoon C- A man is reaching for Africa, which is labeled “Gold Fields.” 2) Are there any symbols used in the cartoon? Cartoon A- People Cartoon B- The snake, the helpless man Cartoon C- His huge hands show how Britain grabbed land for its resources 3) Explain what you think each symbol means or represents. Cartoon A- Represents the imperial countries of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Holland, Great Britain, Belgium, and France. Cartoon B- The snake symbolizes Leopold’s brutal rule over the Congo, especially the forced labor for rubber. Cartoon C- The hands reaching for Africa show how European powers wanted Africa’s wealth not its people. 4) How did the artist exaggerate objects or physical features of a person/people in the cartoon? Cartoon A- Mad people large and strong enough to try and tug at the continent of Africa. Cartoon B- The man looks terrified, showing how Belgium abused and enslaved African people. Cartoon C- The British imperialist’s hands are oversized showing their need for African resources. 5) What message was the artist trying to send by exaggerating these items? Cartoon A- These countries are competing and fighting over territory in the continent of Africa. Cartoon B- Leopold was ruthless, and this cartoon is calling him out. Cartoon C- British imperialists were greedy and focused only on Africa’s gold and wealth. Words: 6) Identify the cartoon’s caption/title. Cartoon A- The Mad Scramble for Africa Cartoon B- In the Rubber Coils. Scene - The Congo 'Free' State Cartoon C- Gold fields 7) How does the caption/title of the cartoon clarify what the symbols in the cartoon represent? Cartoon A- It allows us to know that the countries are in a hurry and are intense about the competition to the point it has caused madness or chaos. Cartoon B- “Rubber Coils” shows how people were trapped in Leopold’s brutal rubber trade, and the “Free State” part is misleading because the Congo was not actually free. Cartoon C- The reference to “Gold Fields” shows that Africa was seen as a resource for wealth rather than a land of people. Action: 8) Describe the action taking place in the cartoon. Cartoon A- Countries tugging with intensity on the coastlines of the Africa. Cartoon B- The man is struggling as the snake coils around him. Cartoon C- A British imperialist is reaching for Africa trying to claim its wealth. 9) What facial expressions are portrayed in the cartoon? Cartoon A- Frustration, intensity, bug-eyed, worried and confident. Cartoon B- The man looks terrified, and the snake looks menacing Cartoon C- The imperialist appears focused and determined to take Africa 10) Does anything in the cartoon suggest action or movement? How so? Cartoon A- The way Africa’s shape is being changed and the sweat coming from the people’s faces. Cartoon B- The snake wrapping tighter around the man shows danger and movement Cartoon C- The reaching hands suggest an ongoing grab for Africa’s resources Meaning: 11) What historical event or idea is the cartoon depicting? Cartoon A- Imperialism Cartoon B- Belgian exploitation of the Congo and the forced labor for rubber Cartoon C- British imperialism and the exploitation of Africa’s resources 12) What conclusions can you draw about the artist’s opinion on this event? Cartoon A- That these countries were going to fight and compete intensely over territory and natural resource in the continent of Africa. Cartoon B- The artist is critical of King Leopold’s cruelty and how he harmed Congolese people Cartoon C- The artist likely disapproves of how Britain and other European nations only cared about Africa’s wealth 13) What specific details in the cartoon led you to this conclusion?1 Cartoon A-The way they are tugging, their facial expression, their positions, and their sweating. Cartoon B- The terrifying snake, the helpless man, and the title referencing the Congo’s suffering Cartoon C- The large, greedy hands reaching for “Gold Fields.” 14) Whose perspective is being represented in this cartoon? Cartoon A- Possibly the United States or another European country not involved. Cartoon B- Critics of Belgian rule to show the suffering of the Congolese people Cartoon C- A perspective critical of British greed and imperialism 15) Whose perspective is not represented in this cartoon? Cartoon A- Africa’s perspective. Cartoon B- King Leopold’s perspective or anyone justifying Belgium’s rule Cartoon C- African people’s experiences and struggles under imperial rule 16) Do you think this cartoon is effective and sends a strong message? How so? Cartoon A- Yes, is shows that it an entire continent is about to be occupied by outsiders for its natural resources in order to continue industrialization and the Arms Race. It alludes to one of the causes of World War I. Cartoon B- Yes, it powerfully shows the suffering of the Congolese people under Leopold’s rule Cartoon C- Yes, it effectively shows how European powers valued Africa only for its wealth, not its people. 1