Judge — August 10, 1901 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: "The Man Behind the Gun and His S(ch)WAB" This Judge magazine cover from August 10, 1901 depicts a caricatured military figure with exaggerated facial features holding a large gun and a head on a pike. The title's wordplay on "SCHWAB" (likely referring to steel magnate Charles M. Schwab) suggests satirical criticism of American imperialism or militarism during the early 20th century. The military regalia, fort setting with flags, and weapons imagery indicate commentary on American expansionism, possibly related to the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) or contemporary military-industrial influence. The grotesque caricature and violent imagery—the severed head—appear to critique the brutality or moral compromises associated with imperial military adventures and those profiting from them.