Final answer:
The statement that most directly relates to the political cartoons is 'Imperialism expands the scope of U.S. power beyond its borders,' reflecting the era of American Imperialism where the U.S. sought control over other regions, with cartoons possibly endorsing or criticizing this policy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement most directly related to the issues that both political cartoons illustrate is Imperialism expands the scope of U.S. power beyond its borders. This period of American Imperialism in the late nineteenth century saw the U.S. following the footsteps of European nations, seeking to extend its political, economic, and military control over other regions. The political cartoons in question likely depict opinions on this expansionist policy, either endorsing or criticizing U.S. actions to control foreign territories and create an empire akin to those of European powers. The motives behind such expansion were varied, including economic interest, strategic military positioning, and the spread of American ideals, but they also raised significant debates about American democratic values and the contradictions inherent in ruling other nations.
Given the nature of American expansion during the era, any cartoons related to acquisition of territories such as the Philippines, Guam, or Puerto Rico likely reflect on whether the United States was liberating these areas or imposing control for its own benefit. The depictions in the cartoons could be seen as either in favor or against American expansion by either glorifying the spread of liberty and democracy or by highlighting the contradictions and potentially undemocratic aspects of empire building.