Judge — July 5, 1902 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon depicts Uncle Sam (personifying the United States) confronting "John Bull" (Britain's traditional symbol). The dialogue satirizes American independence sentiment: John Bull shoots cannons because he has a crown (representing monarchy), while Uncle Sam responds he's "rid of the crown"—meaning America rejected monarchical rule. The cartoon appears to reference American anti-British sentiment, likely from the early 20th century when tensions existed over American sovereignty and democratic ideals versus British imperial authority. The Capitol building visible in the background reinforces American government symbolism. The satire celebrates American republicanism as liberation from European monarchical systems.