How do you analyze a political cartoon?

How to read political cartoons. 

Observe the cartoon and use prior knowledge to get an idea of what is going on.  Then look for symbolism, exaggeration, and irony.  Use external resources as needed.

Symbolism - physical things represent an idea. 

Exaggeration - artists will exaggerate characteristics of a political figure or an idea.

Irony - the difference in the way things should be and what is expected.

Library of Congress guide to reading political cartoons

This cartoon shows men who represent what the past American wars have been over.  The Philippines has a massive brick depicting how the Spanish oppressed them.  

This cartoon shows Uncle Sam, who looks very scary, lecturing children that represent the Philippines, Puerto Rico,  Cuba, and Hawaii.  The classroom setting shows that the U.S. was in charge and told their territories what to do, otherwise they were punished.  

This cartoon has an exaggerated image of Theodore Roosevelt marching through the Caribbean.  This cartoon is about how he ordered the navy around in the Spanish American War.