School Begins

Picture of "School Begins" Political Cartoon

Historical Era:

ERA 6: The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900) ERA 7: The Emergence of Modern America (1890–1930)

Keywords:

American imperialism Spanish-American War Uncle Sam School Begins Hispanic American History Colonialism

Date Created:

Year Created: 1899

Historical Theme:

Colonization Culture Identity Native Americans Race Westward Expansion American Character

Categories of Documents:

Description:

School Begins is a 1899 political cartoon created by Louis Dalrymple. It was published in Puck magazine. The cartoon satirizes American imperialism following the Spanish–American War. It depicts Uncle Sam as a schoolteacher instructing a group of students, labeled Philippines, Cuba, Porto Rico, and Hawaii. Behind him, a blackboard displays a justification for colonial rule. Older students labeled California, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Alaska sit quietly in the back. Meanwhile, a Native American boy reads a book upside-down, an African American child washes a window, and a Chinese boy peers in through the door.

Link to content:

School begins / Dalrymple