1. Considering Imperialism
When considering political cartoons, make sure students understand the idea of stereotyping that is often used by artists.
Stereotypes are incomplete and inaccurate beliefs that some people hold about groups of other people.
Stereotypes can be positive or negative.
Generalizing is a natural human behavior and is an attempt to simplify and categorize experiences. We naturally compare what we don't know to what we do know -- or think we know.
There is a distinction between stereotypes and generalizations. For example, generalizations bring together a series of observations or experiences relating to an area or group in a simplified way. It's a generalization, therefore, to say that most men like professional sports, but this does not imply that all men do. Stereotypes, on the other hand, ascribe certain characteristics invariably to an entire group.
The most critical stage of learning about these concepts is to think of their consequences and prevent generalizations from becoming stereotypes by seeking new information against which generalizations can be tested.
©2012, TESCCC

2. Stereotypes are incomplete and inaccurate beliefs that some people hold about groups of other people.
Stereotypes can be positive or negative.
Generalizing is a natural human behavior and is an attempt to simplify and categorize experiences. We naturally compare what we don't know to what we do know -- or think we know.

3. There is a distinction between stereotypes and generalizations
There is a distinction between stereotypes and generalizations. For example, generalizations bring together a series of observations or experiences relating to an area or group in a simplified way. It's a generalization, therefore, to say that most men like professional sports, but this does not imply that all men do.

4. Stereotypes, on the other hand, ascribe certain characteristics invariably to an entire group.
The most critical stage of learning about these concepts is to think of their consequences and prevent generalizations from becoming stereotypes by seeking new information against which generalizations can be tested.

5. Two Very Important Definitions
Imperialism
A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.
Nationalism
Patriotic feeling, principles, or efforts.
An extreme form of this, esp. marked by a feeling of superiority over other countries.

6. The Rhodes Colossus
The Rhodes Colossus demonstrates the technological and political power of Britain over Africa, with little regard for the inhabitants.
The Rhodes Colossus (1892). Caricature of Cecil John Rhodes, after he announced plans for a telegraph line and railroad from Cape Town to Cairo.
Sambourne, E. L. (Artist). (1892). The rhodes colossus. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
©2012, TESCCC

7. “The Devilfish in Egyptian Waters”
1882 cartoon with Britain depicted as an octopus reaching across many lands. Notice England has not yet grabbed Egypt.
(1888). English imperialism octopus. (1888). [Print Drawing]. Retrieved from

8. “The Devilfish in Egyptian Waters”
The Devilfish cartoon shows the expansive, invasive nature of British power across the globe, especially Africa.
1882 cartoon with Britain depicted as an octopus reaching across many lands. Notice England has not yet grabbed Egypt.
(1888). English imperialism octopus. (1888). [Print Drawing]. Retrieved from

9. “China – the cake of kings and… of emperors”
Original caption: “En Chine - Le gâteau des Rois et... des Empereurs” In English: "China -- the cake of kings and... of emperors" (a French pun on king cake and kings and emperors wishing to "consume" China).
French political cartoon from A pastry pie represents "Chine" (French for China) and is being divided between caricatures of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, William II of Germany (who is squabbling with Queen Victoria over a borderland piece, while thrusting a knife into the pastry pie to signify aggressive German intentions), Nicholas II of Russia, who is eyeing a particular piece, the French Marianne (who is diplomatically shown as not participating in the carving, and is depicted as close to Nicholas II, as a reminder of the Franco-Russian Alliance), and the Meiji Emperor of Japan, carefully contemplating which pieces to take. A stereotypical Qing (Manchu) official throws up his hands to try and stop them, but is powerless. It is meant to be a figurative representation of the Imperialist tendencies of these nations towards China during the decade.
(2012). China imperialism cartoon. (2012). [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
©2012, TESCCC

10. “China – the cake of kings and… of emperors”
This shows major imperial powers carving up China with no regard to its people.
Original caption: “En Chine - Le gâteau des Rois et... des Empereurs” In English: "China -- the cake of kings and... of emperors" (a French pun on king cake and kings and emperors wishing to "consume" China).
French political cartoon from A pastry pie represents "Chine" (French for China) and is being divided between caricatures of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, William II of Germany (who is squabbling with Queen Victoria over a borderland piece, while thrusting a knife into the pastry pie to signify aggressive German intentions), Nicholas II of Russia, who is eyeing a particular piece, the French Marianne (who is diplomatically shown as not participating in the carving, and is depicted as close to Nicholas II, as a reminder of the Franco-Russian Alliance), and the Meiji Emperor of Japan, carefully contemplating which pieces to take. A stereotypical Qing (Manchu) official throws up his hands to try and stop them, but is powerless. It is meant to be a figurative representation of the Imperialist tendencies of these nations towards China during the decade.
(2012). China imperialism cartoon. (2012). [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, William II of, Nicholas II of Russia, French Marianne, and the Meiji Emperor of Japan. A stereotypical Qing (Manchu) official throws up his hands to try and stop them, but is powerless.
©2012, TESCCC

11. Images of the Panama Canal
(2008). Panama canal perspective view. (2008). [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
©2012, TESCCC

12. Panama Canal T-Chart
Positive Aspects
Negative Aspects

13. (2011). Culebra cut 1898. (2011). [Web Photo]
(2011). Culebra cut (2011). [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
Possible ideas for the T-chart
Positive faster transport, cheaper commerce, safer travels
Negative – environmental damage, loss of life from hazards
Culebra Cut, 1898
©2012, TESCCC

14. 1905 quarantine station along the Panama Canal
(2011) yellow fever quarantine station. (2011). [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
Possible ideas for the T-chart
Negative – many deaths and illnesses from yellow fever and malaria
Positive – understanding the link with mosquitos and the largest sanitation effort in the world at that time in 1905
©2012, TESCCC

15. 1914 Panama Canal Opening Steamer SS Ancon at Pedro Miguel Locks
(2011) panama canal opening steamer ss ancon at pedro miguel locks. (2011). [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
©2012, TESCCC