Political Cartoons of the Spanish-American War

Click on image to enlarge (High-Quality PDF's)

Uncle Sam is pictured here as "justice" weighing the options for war carefully; a lesson for all nations, and another personafication of American exceptionalism. (Harper's Weekly, March 12, 1898)

The war preparations are illustrated here with Speaker of the House Thomas Reed and executive William McKinley setting aside $50 million for war. (Harper's Weekly, March 19, 1898)

This iconic image of Cuba Libre appeared in Harper's days after Spain officially declared war, but in fact, Spain was not liberated until the summer. (Harper's Weekly, April 30, 1898)

In this cartoon, Uncle Sam is holding up the news of Spanish Admiral Cervera's defeated squadron in Santiago. A much smaller Spanish Prime Minister Sagasta reads the contrary, of a Spanish victory. (Washington Evening Star, July 6, 1898)

While Cuba has a temper tantrum, Uncle Sam mixes up "Liberty Porridge" with the help of the U.S. Army. Sam urges Cuba to be patient. This representation of the acquired territories as insufferable children was typical. (Washington Evening Times, July 23, 1898)

This is one of the most stunning representations of William McKinley as the liberator of Cuba. Notice the liberty cap atop the American flag and the shackles of slavery at his feet. (Washington Evening Star, July 24, 1898)

This is an excellent image of a broad group of anti-imperialists such as Senator Ben Tillman (D-SC), William Jennings Bryan, Senator George Hoar (R-MA), Grover Cleveland, and Senator George Vest (D-MI). They dodge glaring attacks on American liberty like the destruction of the Maine and the hypocrisy of the Texas Convention. It is also worth noting in that same vein that they are referred to as anti-expansionists! (Washington Evening Star, August 9, 1898)

French Ambassador to the U.S. Jules Cambon attempts to console Spanish Prime Minister Práxedes Mateo Sagasta after resigning sovereignty of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines before the Treaty negotiations begin. (Washington Evening Star, August 13, 1898)

This image of Uncle Sam as a teacher and as the newly acquired territories as pupils speaks volumes on U.S. perceptions of race and civilization. Hawaii and Puerto Rico are teacher's pets, and on the road to statehood while Cuba and the Philippines are boisterous. (Harper's Weekly, August 27, 1898)

All Images have been watermarked and are the property of Liberty and Anti-Imperialism. They are not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without the consent of the site editor. They may be used for personal purposes, only.

M. Patrick Cullinane, Liberty and Anti-Imperialism, June 21, 2008.

Privacy Policy

Conditions of Use