Great analysis of the cartoons, Mattie, and a good job on the comparison as well. The years definitely make a difference--the changing context shifts US attitudes towards this island. In 1898, debate is fast and furious about whether the US should become a colonial power. By 1903, we've staked out alternative means of control. The Platt amendment gives us all the benefits of a colony without the headache of actually having control over the land. What do you make of the racial portrayal of Cuba in the second cartoon? It's a lot different from the way that Cuba was portrayed as a woman in the earlier ones.
Great analysis of the cartoons, Mattie, and a good job on the comparison as well. The years definitely make a difference--the changing context shifts US attitudes towards this island. In 1898, debate is fast and furious about whether the US should become a colonial power. By 1903, we've staked out alternative means of control. The Platt amendment gives us all the benefits of a colony without the headache of actually having control over the land. What do you make of the racial portrayal of Cuba in the second cartoon? It's a lot different from the way that Cuba was portrayed as a woman in the earlier ones.
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