Final answer:
The cartoon shows Teddy Roosevelt's instrumental role in the construction of the Panama Canal, reflecting his assertive foreign policy and the influence of Mahan's naval recommendations, which ultimately enhanced U.S. military mobility and trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cartoon depicting a gigantic Teddy Roosevelt digging the Panama Canal is emblematic of the impact of Roosevelt's foreign policy on Latin America and the construction of the Panama Canal. The cartoon suggests that Roosevelt, through his assertive actions and as the arbiter of the Panamanian Revolution, facilitated the creation of an independent Panama in exchange for the right to build a canal, a portrayal of the Big Stick policy.
The canal was a strategic masterpiece for military mobility and bolstering international trade, which became a reality under Roosevelt's administration after overcoming Colombia's initial refusal to allow construction through their territory in Panama. Roosevelt's commitment to the success of the canal project stemmed from the influence of Mahan's naval recommendations and the objective of commanding a powerful and globally-dominant U.S. Navy. His visit to Panama, wherein he operated a steam shovel, underscored his personal investment in the project, which led to the successful completion of the canal in 1914, cementing his legacy as a president who greatly expanded America's reach and influence.