Political Cartoon Project
Impact of Imperialism
Teacher Preparation
• Copy 1-per-student, back-to-back:
– White Man’s Burden/Brown Man’s Burden
– Political Cartoon Rubric/Effects of Imperialism
• Copy 1 for ½ the number of students & cut
in half
• Handout the worksheets to each student
and follow the power point presentation
Pair-Share
Partner A – list at least 3
negative effects of imperialism
Partner B – list at least 3
positive effects of imperialism
Objective
Students will be able to
explain imperialism from the
perspective of the colonizers
and the colonized by creating
a political cartoon.
STEP 1: Complete the worksheet with the class
STEP 2: Get into pairs and complete the worksheet together:
POSITIVE EFFECTS OF IMPERIALISM ON
COLONIAL POWERS
• Provides manufacturers with cheap raw
materials and markets
• Profitable business opportunities:
increased trade
• Opened up colonial careers for
government officials and military men
• More military bases, human resources,
and world prestige
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF IMPERIALISM
ON COLONIAL POWERS
• Taxpayers had to finance colonial
improvements and defense
• Colonial rivalries often resulted in war
• Increased the belief that colonial people
are inferior to you
• Colonial people disliked their ruling people
POSITIVE EFFECTS OF IMPERIALISM ON COLONIES
• Established industries, furthered agriculture, and
developed natural resources
• Improved communication and transportation
• Trained people with new skills and provided
employment
• Constructed educational and health facilities
• Attempted to stop native warfare as well as
barbaric practices
• Introduced Western Culture: Christianity,
democracy, and modern science
• Trained colonies in the ideas of government
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NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF IMPERIALISM
ON COLONIES
Drained wealth from the area
Only emphasized mineral and agricultural
production, and discouraged colonial
manufacturing
long hours of work with very little pay
Discriminated against native people and
degraded the culture
Introduced new diseases
Imperial countries were often known as
the native oppressors
Impact of Colonial Rule
Political Cartoon
Activity
Is this a political cartoon
Why or Why not?
Is this a political cartoon?
Why or Why not?
Symbolism Cartoonists use simple objects, or symbols, to stand
for larger concepts or ideas.
Exaggeration
Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or
exaggerate, the physical characteristics of
people or things in order to make a point.
Labeling Cartoonists often label objects or people to
make it clear exactly what they stand for.
Analogy An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things.
By comparing a complex issue or situation with a more
familiar one, cartoonists can help their readers see it in a
different light.
Irony
Irony: Irony is the difference between the ways things are
and the way things should be, or the way things are
expected to be. Cartoonists often use irony to express
their opinion on an issue.
Wrap-Up Activity