Final answer:
Political cartoons often portrayed Uncle Sam alongside characters representing other countries to reflect the United States' position on international issues. Depictions of Uncle Sam and other nations in context with China or during historical events provide a visual critique of imperialism and U.S. foreign policies, such as the promotion of the 'Open Door Policy' in China.
Step-by-step explanation:
The countries shown behind Uncle Sam in various political cartoons are portrayed in specific ways to comment on the historical and political dynamics of the time, especially in the context of imperialism and international relations. For instance, in an illustration where Uncle Sam is standing on a map of China, other imperialist nations are depicted trying to establish their own spheres of influence. This is a reference to the historical period when powerful nations such as Germany, Spain, Great Britain, Russia, and France, were vying for control and influence in China.
Uncle Sam himself has often been used to represent the U.S. government, with his actions and statements in cartoons being used to comment on American policies, such as the policy of U.S. neutrality or the enforcement of the "Open Door Policy" in China, which sought to limit the control hence spheres of influence by other nations and maintain equal trading rights for all. The depictions of Uncle Sam alongside characters representing other countries reflect the United States' stance on key international issues and events, like World War I or the territorial conflicts in East Asia.
Moreover, the portrayal of countries and figures in these cartoons serves as a satirical criticism of imperialism, colonial attitudes, and relevant social issues of the era, as seen in the depiction of John Bull and Uncle Sam stepping over the words 'The White Man's Burden', representing the Western perception of bringing civilization to other parts of the world, often forcefully.