Panama canal political cartoon By: David Dubovy and Kyle DeFranco

Explanation of image The phrase ‘COUP d’ETAT’ is a French phrase that means “stroke of state.” It represents sudden and decisive action taken in politics, especially one that results in a change of government illegally or by force. In this case, however, the change wasn’t by force, but it was very sudden. Primarily, this image represents the Panamanian Revolution, and the building of the Panama Canal. It displays Roosevelt using a battleship to “help” the Panamanian people. Rather, because of the knifes and shovel he is carrying, it can be assumed that he plans on cutting into Panama instead, and building a canal for our benefit. The warship represents the use of Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” Policy, which earned its title from the aggressive ways he dealed with foreign policy. Roosevelt made bold decisions to improve the way the U.S. was seen as a global power. At the time, this was a major shift in politics for the U.S. The warship emphasizes the threat of military in order for America to get what it wants. In this specific cartoon, Americans are threatening Columbians to grant Panama their independence. The elephant on the front of the warship represents the Republican party, showing that they are the ones who sought political interest in Panama. The elephant began becoming a symbol of the Republican party in 1874, when a separate political cartoon created by Thomas Nast depicted a donkey and elephant. The donkey was dressed in lion’s skin, scaring the elephant away, which at the time displayed the Republican vote. Ever since then , Republicans and Democrats kept this association with these two animals. The Republicans say that the elephant represents strength and dignity. The drawer of the cartoon likely didn’t support Americas push for power, and may have been against imperialism and Roosevelt’s policies all together. This is evident in the way Americans on the ship are shown in a negative fashion. These anti – imperialists may have not had as much power at this time, especially considering that Roosevelt was president, but were definitely a significant voice that spoke of the Panama canal issue. The flag U.S.S. GOP stand for the Republican party, and correctly stand for “Grand Old Party.”

Time Frame and President During Interaction Recently being that president McKinley was killed by an anarchist, Republican vice president Theodore Roosevelt stepped into office in 1901. He was a young expansionist and hero during the Spanish-American war. When he described how he would go about issues of foreign policy, his motto was to “speak softly and carry a big stick.” Roosevelt’s aggressive foreign policy was labeled as his “Big Stick” policy, and through this, he used the military in a a threatening way to gain imperial power for the United States. Why the push for imperialism and improved foreign policy? During the time, America was pushed to expand its territories by factors such as the want for national protection and global power, manifest destiny, commerce, and profit. During this period after the Civil War, American industrial economy boomed, and the foundation was created for a major shift in U.S. relations with the rest of the world. The United States acquired an overseas empire and intervened in the affairs of Cuba, Latin American nations, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Causes/Effects of the Interaction Causes: The interaction in Panama was caused due to the time frame it occurred in. New Imperialism intensified foreign involvement, and so, the U.S wanted to improve trade with worldwide markets to support growing industrial and agricultural surpluses, and in return, receive more raw materials for manufacturing. After the Spanish-American War, the United States had acquired a new empire that stretched from Puerto Rico in the Caribbean to the Philippines in the Pacific. In order to make trade and communication between our new empire effective, America needed a canal through Central America to connect the Atlantic and Pacific in a better way. In 1903, Roosevelt supported a revolt in Panama and the rebellion succeeded against Columbian government. Effects: As a result of American involvement in Panama, and the interaction depicted in the cartoon, the new, independent, Panama government signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty of 1903 which finally gave the U.S. what they wanted by granting them the long-term control of the canal zone. Also, the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty allowed the U.S. to dig the canal without British involvement in their foreign affairs. The canal was completed in 1914, and a lot of Americans were happy with the result of a canal. However, to compensate for our ruling of the canal and for the high-handed tactics used to secure the canal zone, the U.S. paid Columbia $25 million for its loss of Panama.

Value and Limitations Given this source, it gave the viewer an anti-imperialist point of view on the subject, and therefore is very high in value. The cartoon effectively exemplifies the political and economic drive during the time period; displaying the Republican party, Roosevelt and his assertive policies , and our taking of Panama. In the case that we only had this source to work with, our understanding of the subject would likely side with the anti- imperialist point of view. Despite value, the origin and purpose of this source can also be considered not valuable because it is limited with a one-sided point of view on the subject. It is not damaged or mistranslated, but was a bit corrupt due to the fact that it was only aimed at Americans who didn’t support Roosevelt and his policies.