CHY 4U1 – Image Analysis
Age of Imperialism – The Triumphant West
Discussing the Illustration:
1. By the late 1800s, the West’s industrial and military might gave it overwhelming power in
the world. Few other lands could stand up to that power or limit Western influence. This
cartoon comments on one empire that could not. From the cartoon, can you identify it and
explain where it was located?
2. By the 1800s, the once mighty Ottoman Empire was coming to be known as the “Sick Man
of Europe.” From your knowledge of 19th century history, can you explain why it was
called this?
3. In the 1800s, Russia, especially, often threatened to seize parts of the Ottoman Empire. In
this cartoon, two figures hold back the Ottoman Sultan who wants to strike back at Russia.
One figure stands for France. The other is John Bull, a famous symbol for Great Britain. The
cartoon suggests how weak the Ottoman Empire was compared to the European nations.
How does it suggest the power difference? What does the cartoon suggest about European
attitudes toward the Ottomans?