I learned how to actually analyze a cartoon here. The right way to analyze a political cartoon is to look at it, observe the correlation it might have to the current events and issues, think about what audience the cartoon is meant for... these are all good ways to analyze a political cartoon.
http://education.kings.edu/cives/Lesson4SpanishAmerican.html
This image depicts a deck of cards being held by the United States. You can tell because the hands are labeled. The cards being held represent Cuba, the Virgin Islands, Japan, the Philippines, and The Caribbean. You can tell because they are labeled as such. The cards being held are a reference to a poker play. When you have a royal flush, you have an ace, king, queen, jack, and 10. A royal flush almost guarantees you to win. So since the cards are being held by the United States, it means the cards are in it's favor. And since Imperialism is labeled It can be read that The United States is in control of Imperialism.
http://www.mtholyoke.edu/~saaposto/WorldPolitics116/factors1.html
In this political cartoon, a large eagle is depicted stretching its wings across the ocean over several islands. Since the eagle is the US national bird, it can be said that America controls much more than just its main continent.
http://www.globalresearch.ca/selling-empire-american-propaganda-and-war-in-the-philippines/5355055
in this cartoon, Uncle Sam is depicted with his tail coat draped over the Philippines and Cuba. It can be said that America controls the Philippines and Cuba.
