Judge — February 6, 1897 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon from *Judge* magazine depicts Uncle Sam (the bearded figure in starred coat) perched above a female figure representing Cuba. The caption reads "CIVILIZATION DEMANDS THAT JUSTICE BE DONE THE PEOPLE OF CUBA." The cartoon satirizes American interventionism regarding Cuba, likely referencing debates over U.S. involvement in Cuban affairs during the late 19th or early 20th century. Uncle Sam's elevated, controlling position above the feminized Cuba figure suggests American paternalism—the claim that the U.S. must "civilize" or "save" Cuba supposedly for its own good. The satire critiques this rhetoric as self-serving justification for American imperialism and political domination, rather than genuine humanitarian concern. The artist appears skeptical of such "civilizing" rhetoric masking colonial ambitions.