Berryman, Clifford Kennedy, Artist. Hand carving up a map of the Southwestern United States. United States, 1917. March 4. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2016678747/.
This political cartoon from World War I is a connective resource for the classroom because it provides an opportunity to learn about the background of the Zimmerman Telegram, which was a secret diplomatic note from Germany to Mexico proposing an alliance against the United States. It is logical to conclude that this cartoon was drawn in response to the outrage over this proposal. This source can also be used as a means to discuss American imperialism, with a specific focus on the Spanish-American War and the acquisition of territories such as the Philippines and Puerto Rico. This image is a great resource to show students how the US was viewed by other nations at the time. Using this resource in the classroom can lead to students developing an understanding of the historical context of World War I, building critical thinking skills, and discovering an appreciation for the power of visual communication.
This World War I cartoon shows a hand in a gauntlet (decorated with the imperial German eagle) carving up a map of the Southwestern United States. Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas are labeled "For Mexico." California is labeled "For Japan(?)" The rest of the country is labeled "For Myself." In the spring of 1917, the British government intercepted and turned over to the United States a message from German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmerman to the Government of Mexico, urging Mexico to join with Japan and declare war on the United States. Zimmerman suggested that this would be a way for Mexico to reclaim the Southwestern states lost during the Mexican War. American outrage following the publication of the Zimmerman Telegram was one of the factors that caused the US to declare war on Germany. Berryman follows the popular notion that the German Kaiser was the force behind German aggression.
- In 1912, New Mexico and Arizona became states, which led to a transition period as they moved from territories to full-fledged statehood. The Santa Fe Railroad helped connect these states to the rest of the country, which led to economic growth for the entire country. California was experiencing an economic boom due to agriculture, mining, and the growing Hollywood film industry. California was also growing as a hub for Progressive Era reforms as the state attracted immigrants from around the world, which led to the state’s cultural diversity. Texas was also experiencing economic growth thanks to the oil and gas industry but faced challenges due to tensions between rural and urban interests, racial segregation, poverty, and education equality.
- This cartoon was published in 1917, an important time for the United States, as the nation entered into World War I. President Wilson declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, citing Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmerman Telegram as the reasons for his declaration.
- How does the use of symbolism and exaggeration enhance the message of the cartoon?
- What emotions is the cartoonist trying to evoke in the reader?
- How might this cartoon have influenced public opinion at the time?
- Is the cartoonist’s portrayal of Germany fair or biased?
- What would be the consequences if the US had been split in this way?
- How does this cartoon reflect the broader context of World War I?
- Can you think of any modern-day examples of political cartoons using similar techniques?
New Mexico Common Core Standards
RI8.1 Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- Students should examine the image and, using their observations, analyze what the cartoonist explicitly communicates as well as make inferences based on their background knowledge.
RI8.3 Analyze how a text makes connections among and distinctions between individuals, ideas, or events (e.g., through comparisons, analogies, or categories).
- This is a political cartoon that includes several groups of people and depicts WWI in a particular way.
RI 8.7 Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums (e.g., print or digital text, video, multimedia) to present a particular topic or idea.
- This is a political cartoon. Students should analyze how this message would be different if they read this information in a formal text or watched a video on it.
RH12.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.
- This is a primary source. Students should use what they observe to analyze it and communicate understanding.
- This source would pair well with a discussion and/or research on the Zimmerman Telegram, American imperialism, the Spanish-American War, and/or the way the US was viewed in 1917.
- Students could also work on a project to analyze propaganda used in World War I and how this cartoon fits into that context, which could lead to discussions on the techniques used to shift public opinion and stir up national outrage.
- This cartoon lends itself well to analysis and critical thinking activities. Students could be asked to identify the symbols in the image (the German eagle, the hand, the map) and analyze their meaning and impact. Students could discuss the perspective of the cartoonist and the message he is trying to convey. Specifically, how does this cartoon reflect the fears and anxieties of Americans during World War I?
- Students could also analyze the potential biases in the image and engage in discussions about the importance of considering multiple perspectives when interpreting historical events and primary sources.
- Other activities could include a creative writing assignment where students are tasked with writing a short story or poem inspired by the cartoon, imagining the reactions of different characters (e.g., a Mexican citizen, a German soldier, an American politician).
- Students could host a debate answering whether the United States was justified in entering World War I, using the image as evidence.
- Students could compare and contrast the cartoon with other historical documents related to World War I.
- Lastly, this source lends itself well to novel readings of Animal Farm by George Orwell and A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway. Animal Farm is a political allegory that satirizes the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinist totalitarianism. It explores themes of power, corruption, propaganda, and the dangers of unchecked authority. A Farewell to Arms is set in World War I and focuses on themes of love, loss, and the disillusionment of the Lost Generation. This source would also pair well with the short story “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty because of the author's focus on dehumanization and the real consequences of war.
- Parents and/or administration may be against the use of this resource because, without proper guidance, students may develop a negative perception of Germany or other nations involved in WWI, which can lead to harmful stereotypes. The cartoon’s portrayal of Germany might seem offensive or insensitive to some students or parents, particularly those with German heritage or those who are discriminated against due to their ethnicity. This image could also spark fear and/or anxiety in students because of the cartoon’s portrayal of Germany as a predatory power.
Links to resources approaching these topics:
- World War: Choices and Consequences: This reading discusses how “othering” techniques among people and nations before the war paved the way for Nazi Germany.
- “Talking to Kids About Discrimination”: APA article describing the importance of talking to children about discrimination.
- Beyond the Golden Rule: Resource guide for talking to students of all ages about treating people well.
- Handling Sensitive Topics: Resource guide for speaking with students about sensitive topics.
- Rumania's day: This piece of World War I propaganda shows Romania’s choice between joining Germany or the Allied Powers. The Kaiser is shown as aggressive and domineering while King Ferdinand is shown as reasonable and just.
- Attenti! ...veleno!: This is another piece of World War I propaganda designed to spark fear and hatred toward Germany. It uses symbolism to illustrate Germany as a dangerous threat that must be eliminated.
- Lessons of Liberty: Patriotism - Analyze WWI Propaganda Posters: A lesson plan that asks students to examine their definition of “patriotism” by analyzing more than sixty primary source propaganda posters calling Americans to action during World War I.
- A Farewell to Arms (film): A film adaptation of the novel.
- Teacher’s Guide: Analyzing Political Cartoons: A guide to helping students navigate political cartoons.