Life — January 19, 1928 — page 20: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical map of Cuba presented as a tourist destination and industrial showcase. The cartoon mocks American imperial ambitions following the Spanish-American War (1898), depicting Cuba as already absorbed into American commercial and cultural interests. Key references include: - **Henry Ford's war relics collection**: A jab at American industrialists acquiring Spanish-American War memorabilia as trophy collecting - **Industrial facilities**: Tobacco factories, sugar plantations, and gas stations labeled throughout, suggesting American economic exploitation - **Tourist attractions**: Churches, theaters, and leisure spots positioned as American entertainment destinations - **The tone**: Satirizes how Americans viewed Cuba post-1898—not as an independent nation but as a resource to extract and territory to colonize The cartoon critiques American imperialism by presenting Cuba as already carved up and commodified for American profit and tourism, rather than as a sovereign nation.