Imperialism Cartoons

Why is China so angry in this cartoon?

Answer explanation

The other imperial countries (Britain, Belgium, Japan, Russia, and France are fighting over who will take over China without getting any input from China.

What place was a "stepping stone" to China? Why was it called this?

Answer explanation

The Philippines. After the Spanish-American War, the US took over the Philippines mostly so they could gain a base to get to China for its resources and markets.

What does this cartoon say about the effects of imperialism in Africa?

Answer explanation

All of Africa's resources were taken from Africa by the US and Europe

What kind of response to Westernization/imperialism is shown in this cartoon?

Answer explanation

China wanted to remain isolated from the West, which is demonstrated in how the Chinese emperor is backing away from the US and Britain.

Why is Uncle Sam guarding the door to China?

Answer explanation

This is the Open Door Policy to China that the US implemented so all the nations in the West would not fight each other for China.

What is Cecil Rhodes doing in this cartoon? What does it represent?

Answer explanation

He is standing on Egypt with one foot and South Africa with the other holding a telephone line. This represents how Britain would industrialize and "civilize" Africa from one coast to the other.

In this cartoon, the British are fighting to control what body of water connected to the Red Sea? This would get them a passage to which colony?

Answer explanation

Suez Canal; it was a passage to India

This cartoon shows the West bringing "civilization" to Africa and Asia. This was one of the main justifications the West gave for imperialism- what was this social theory called, based on the original findings of an evolution scholar?

Answer explanation

Social Darwinism

What does the snake in the cartoon represent? Why is it strangling the Congolese man?

Answer explanation

It represents the leader of Belgium, and the cartoon is showing how horrific the conditions for collecting rubber were for the Congolese under Belgian rule.

This cartoon shows what America looked like in 1776 and how America grows up to 1900. What is this cartoon saying about American imperialism?

Answer explanation

In the 19th century, America starts rapidly expanding first into the Pacific (Philippines, Japan). This causes America to grow in influence, power, and money, which can be seen in all the hands of other countries waiting to make a deal with Uncle Sam.