Final answer:
The first animated cartoon produced by Walt Disney in 1928 was 'Steamboat Willie', marking the debut of Mickey Mouse and a major milestone in animation with its synchronized sound.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first animated cartoon produced by Walt Disney in 1928 was Steamboat Willie. This short film is especially notable because it was also the debut of Mickey Mouse, one of Disney's most iconic characters. Steamboat Willie is considered a landmark in animation history as it was one of the first cartoons with synchronized sound, which changed the industry forever. Walt Disney and his team's innovative approach to storytelling through animation paved the way for the company to become a household name, producing numerous classics featuring various strong female leads such as Snow White, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and Mulan.
Unlike Snow White (1937), Cinderella (1950), and Popeye the Sailor (which was not produced by Disney), Steamboat Willie is the correct answer to the question. Snow White, Cinderella, and Popeye the Sailor are all notable animated films but were produced in later years.