Judge — January 26, 1889 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This January 1889 *Judge* cartoon satirizes American anxieties about the Panama Canal's construction. Uncle Sam (representing the U.S.) awakens to find a large lion blocking the canal's path—the lion represents European powers, particularly France, which was actively involved in early canal construction attempts. The surrounding figures labeled "France," "England," and "English Capital" depict competing European interests. The monument to De Lesseps (the French engineer leading the French canal effort) and the flag reading "Monroe Doctrine" emphasize the conflict between American Monroe Doctrine principles (opposing European interference in the Americas) and European involvement in this crucial strategic project. Uncle Sam declares he won't object to private enterprise but warns no European government should participate—asserting American dominance over hemispheric affairs.