Two Political Cartoons

This cartoon shows a dinner scene between France and Britain. France is represented by Napoleon, who is greedily slicing away at their dinner, the globe. With his sword and fork he cuts away at Europe. The British official as well is seen cutting away at the world, cutting it right down the middle. The artist of this cartoon is clearly not in favor of imperialism. With both his characters he shows them with laughable images. Britain is seen with false manners and as very pompous. He cuts away at the globe with a fork and butter knife. France is depicted as a greedy child. He slashes at the world violently with his sword. They both cut away at the earth with no regard for the people living on it.

My first response to this was of understanding, or so I thought. It looked at the two characters as being the same, but on looking closer, I see that this is not so. The demeanors of the two are completely different. Nevertheless, they both ultimately have the same goal in mind, to eat up as much of the earth as possible. They simply are going about it in very different manners.

This second political cartoon of the times depicts the leading powers of the time in Europe and Asia that were either conquering areas or resisting imperialism. Queen Victoria is seen fighting with Otto van Bismark, Russia, France (Liberty is portrayed) and Japan. They are all trying to get their hands on China, who stands in the background in furious protest. On the table in front of the figures sits a pie chart, showing the plans splitting China between the countries present. The artist portrays all the European countries as greedy, violent and powerful. China is seen as separate from the dealings and an innocent, violated bystander. China is very humanized, revealing the artist as a sympathiser for its cause and isolation.

I was shocked by the portrayal of Queen Victoria simply because she was a loved queen. I imagined her as powerful and intelligent, but not cruel and greedy. Although, the accusation and image in some senses does not go unjustified. I also found interesting the fact that most of the figures all hold the same dagger. It is like the artist is saying that these countries may be different, but they are all equally and violently claiming the globe.