Judge — September 12, 1903 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: Judge Magazine, September 12, 1903 This cartoon satirizes American foreign policy toward Cuba following the Spanish-American War. The central figure wearing "Uncle Sam" attire represents the United States. The two caricatured figures labeled "Cuba" appear to be receiving rough treatment—one is being struck while the other gestures in protest. The caption "And He Turned the Other Cheek" ironically inverts Christian pacifism, suggesting Uncle Sam is aggressively dominating Cuba rather than showing restraint. The cartoon criticizes American imperialism and interventionist policies in Cuba, implying the U.S. is using military/political force against a weaker nation despite rhetoric about liberation. This reflects contemporary debates about whether American occupation of Cuba represented genuine support for independence or exploitation.