The cartoon indicates economic, political, and cultural motivations for 19th-century imperialism, highlighting the desires for raw materials, markets, and demonstrating cultural superiority, often at the expense of indigenous populations.
The cartoon likely shows the motivation of economic interests, political power, and cultural superiority as driving forces for imperialism in the 19th century. By portraying various nationalities in stereotypical manners, the cartoon may imply that imperial powers viewed themselves as superior, thus justifying their imperialistic actions. The impression left on the audience could be one of alleged benevolence or civilization being brought to other nations, masking the more self-serving motives of economic exploitation and political expansion.
Promoters of imperialism supported it for various reasons including the pursuit of new markets for their industrial products, the acquisition of raw materials, and the establishment of strategic military bases. This support was often cloaked in social and religious rhetoric suggesting a mission to 'civilize' or bring 'progress' to the colonized areas, even though the means were sometimes brutal. Those opposing imperialism highlighted the exploitation, environmental damage, and loss of independence for the native people.