Judge — December 5, 1896 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Cartoon Analysis: Judge Magazine, December 5, 1896 This political cartoon satirizes President William McKinley's handling of the Cuban independence crisis. The figure labeled "Cuba" sits outside the White House (marked "President W. McKinley"), holding a flag and seeking help. The large door represents McKinley's office, and the caption asks: "What kind of an answer will he get at this house?" The satire criticizes McKinley's reluctance to intervene in Cuba's struggle against Spanish colonial rule—a major political issue in 1896. The cartoon suggests Cuba is literally knocking on the president's door for assistance but may be turned away. This reflects public pressure on McKinley regarding U.S. policy toward Cuba, which would intensify and eventually lead to the Spanish-American War in 1898.