The Cuban Melodrama

The Cuban Melodrama cartoon

Historical Era:

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

Keywords:

The Cuban Melodrama Hispanic American History Spanish-American War Cuba Spain American imperialism Propaganda

Date Created:

Place Created: New York

Year Created: 1896

Historical Theme:

American Character Diplomacy Foreign Affairs Government Politics War Colonization

Categories of Documents:

Description:

"The Cuban Melodrama" is a political cartoon by C.J. Taylor, published in Puck magazine on June 3, 1896, that satirically depicts the escalating tensions between Spain, Cuba, and the United States before the Spanish-American War. The cartoon stages the conflict as a theatrical production where Uncle Sam is the "Noble Hero," poised to protect "Cuba," the "damsel in distress," from "Spain," the "Heavy Villain." Uncle Sam's stern warning, "Stand back, there, gol darn ye! - If you force this thing to a fifth act, remember that's where I git in my work!" clearly signals the U.S.'s impending intervention, framing American involvement as a heroic rescue mission to a public growing increasingly sympathetic to Cuba's plight.

Link to content:

https://www.loc.gov/resource/ppmsca.28912/