Le journalisme jaune ou l'implication des américains dans le conflit entre l'Espagne et Cuba

1. Does the creator of this cartoon think the United States should get involved in

the conflict between Cuba and Spain?

The creator of this cartoon seems to think that the United States should get involved in the conflict

between Cuba and Spain, and support the Cubans in their quest for independence. Indeed, this

image taken from the Minneapolis Journal features three characters holding hands and united under

the American flag they proudly brandish : in the center, a white man wearing a hat with the inscription

“CUBA” represents the Cubans, while the others, a black man in a loincloth marked “HAWAII” and

another with “PHILIPPINES”, represent the Hawaiians and Filipinos respectively. In fact, it's above all

the phrases written at the bottom of the drawing that bear witness to the author's intent; these

proclaim “Hurrah for the fourth of July! We're coming in on independence day celebrations, too.” This

date refers to July 4, 1776, when the Americans declared their independence and formed the United

States, suggesting that the characters in the cartoon are now part of the United States and also

celebrate this date.

2. Based on what you learned in the lesson, what is the cartoon saying about the

war?

The cartoon depicts the Spanish-American War as a just and moral cause, underlining the bond

between Americans and Cubans aspiring to freedom in the face of Spanish repression, which

resulted in the deaths of 200,000 Cubans. It celebrates the idea of the United States acting as

liberators, bringing independence and freedom to oppressed nations like Cuba, Hawaii and the

Philippines; by evoking the date July 4, 1776, the cartoon reminds Americans of their own struggles

for independence and their core values. Using powerful images and patriotic phrases, this cartoon is

part of “yellow journalism”, reinforcing the idea of an American civilizing mission while helping to

forge a heroic image of the United States in the context of war.

3. After seeing this cartoon, how would you feel about the war as an American?

As an American seeing this cartoon, I would feel pride and patriotism. The image gives the

impression that participating in war is a noble act in defense of the fundamental values of

independence and freedom. It encourages support for military intervention by presenting it as an

altruistic act.

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