Partition of Africa: Political Cartoons

Do Now:

*Do this on a whiteboard.

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Based on Congo 1B notes, what event does this picture depict and what is the message?

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Cartoonists’ Techniques

• Labels: Cartoonists often identify or name certain things in their cartoons so that it is apparent what things represent.
• Symbolism: Cartoonists may use simple objects to represent larger ideas or concepts.
• Analogy: Cartoonists may compare a simple concept to a more complex situation in order to help the viewer understand the situation in a different way.

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Cartoon Analysis Directions:

1. Your teacher will assign you a number: 1, 2 or 3.

2. You will identify the label, symbolism or analogy that corresponds to your number for each cartoon that we analyze.

3. You will write your identification of said technique on a whiteboard and be prepared to share with the class.

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** Heads up! You will NOT identify the same technique every time.

1. LABELS

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2. SYMBOLISM

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“In the Rubber Coils”

King Leopold (snake) strangling an African.

The comparison between Leopold’s control over the Congo to a snake which completely restricts its victims!

3. ANALOGY

LET’S TRY ONE TOGETHER FIRST! :)

Africa, Gold Fields

2. LABELS

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3. SYMBOLISM

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The simple object (a European businessman) is used to show European domination.

Man’s Hat: European fashion of the era.

1. ANALOGY

The gigantic size of the man serves to represent the European power over Africa.

NOW YOUR TURN!

3. LABELS

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1. SYMBOLISM

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2. ANALOGY

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the different countries

Tentacles show the control of England over the other countries.

Top hat = symbol for England

Comparing colonization/imperialism to an octopus which can reach out many arms at once.

1. LABELS

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2. SYMBOLISM

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3. ANALOGY

Countries, “Grab Bags”, “The World’s Plunderers”

Attire of different “plunderers” = different dominant countries

Comparing imperialism to “Grab bags” → The struggling territories of the world are simply for the taking!

Assignment:

You are the Cartoonist - YAHOO!

• You must draw a cartoon that makes a statement about the Scramble for Africa or the invasion on African Culture. ___/15pts
• You must use one of the Cartoonists' persuasive techniques to create your cartoon. ___/10pts
• You must write 5 sentences explaining your cartoon and its meaning. Two sentences must be detailed (conjunction, appositive or subordinate clause). ___/25 pts

Due: Tuesday at the beginning of class!