Introduction

Analyze the Cartoon

Teddy Roosevelt dressed as a constable, wielding a large club and dividing two arguing groups, which represent countries
"The World's Constable" political cartoon, 1905

Key Points:

  • Tedyy Roosevelt - Just in case you didn't recognize him by the large mustache and round glasses, the initials T.R. on his badge identify President Theodore Roosevelt.
  • Official Papers - T.R. is carrying official looking papers that read "arbitration," which is a process to settle disputes, and "Tell your troubles to the policeman."
  • Large Stick - President Roosevelt is swinging a large stick titled "The New Diplomacy." His motto was, "speak softly, and carry a big stick." The big stick referred to the powerful U.S. navy.
  • The Latin American Nations - The Latin American nations seem to be asking for help or possibly demanding something from T.R.
  • The Asian Nations - Some Asian countries look very angry, ready to fight.
  • Straddling the World - T.R. is standing between the European nations and nations in the western hemisphere.
  • Title - The title, "The World Constable" suggests that the U.S. is playing the role of policeman around the world

 

 

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