Age of Imperialism Political Cartoons

This anti-imperialism political cartoon shows the President William McKinley contemplating imperial conquest while ignoring racial problems in his own country. (Literary Digest #17, Nov. 26, 1898)

1. What racial problems are being revealed in this cartoon? 2. What were the main arguments against imperialism in the late 19th century? 3. Who were the most prominent anti-imperialists? 4. According to the cartoon, which European countries were fighting for a position in Africa?

5. How did the Berlin Conference lead to the situation shown on the cartoon?

6. According to “American Diplomacy” created in 1900, what is the Open Door Policy ?

“The World's Plunderers" Thomas Nast, Harper's Weekly, 1885

8. According to Nast, what is imperialism?

9. Does he think imperialism right or wrong? Explain.

Patient Waiters Are No Losers, Hawaii State Archive 10. Uncle Sam is standing under a fruit tree laden with fruits labeled "Hawaii, Canada, Cuba, Florida, Texas, California, and Louisiana". How does this cartoonist define imperialism?