In this cartoon, Uncle Sam looks through binoculars as a volcano representing Mexico explodes, an image reflecting the disordered course of the Mexican Revolution. Several groups had arisen opposing Mexican leader, Porfirio Diaz. Following his 1910 overthrow, the rivals battled each other in a long-running conflict.
This cartoon was published when the current President, Francisco Madero, faced a deadly challenge to his authority. Twelve days later, Madero was assassinated by General Victoriano Huerta in a coup.
Mexico’s ongoing instability gave rise to fears of threats against Americans in Mexico and concerns about armed rebels invading the United States. In 1914, the U.S. intervened in the conflict in an unsuccessful attempt to bring stability to Mexico.
This cartoon was drawn by Clifford Berryman, one of Washington, DC’s best-known cartoonists in the early to mid-1900s. Berryman drew for the Washington Post and Evening Star newspapers. His cartoons touched on a variety of subjects including politics, elections, and both World Wars.
This cartoon is featured in America and the World: Foreign Affairs in Political Cartoons, 1898–1940, a free PDF book from the Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives.
