The Open Door Policy

Martell, Christopher. "Christopher Martell on Social Studies and Education: The Open Door Policy, Boxer Uprising, and U.S. Imperialism."Christopher Martell on Social Studies and Education: The Open Door Policy, Boxer Uprising, and U.S. Imperialism. Christopher Martell, n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2016. <http://christophermartell.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-open-door-policy-boxer-uprising-and.html>.

This political cartoon focuses on the Open Door Policy, and uses symbolism, labeling, and analogy. The symbolism comes from all of the figureheads surrounding and in front of the “door” to China. The person standing in front of the door is Uncle Sam, who holds a key. The other figureheads represent Germany, England, Russia, France, and Switzerland. The key is labeled American Diplomacy, and represents our recent diplomatic ventures. The analogy is American diplomacy being compared to a key. The arch over the door is also labeled china. The cartoonist’s position is that we held the key and could monopolize china, which is the exact opposite of the purpose of the open door policy. Our leadership at the time did not believe this however, and pushed for the open door policy. This is my position on American imperialism because I believed we were powerful enough to take even more land.