Early America

Answer

Early America

The task is based on the analysis of given image which depicts various themes that occurred during the early times in America. The issues addressed include American imperialism, racial segregation, American military force, and treatment of the Native Americans.

American imperialism refers to the intentional cultural, economic, and military influence of the United States. This mainly occurred in the late nineteenth century when the United States and other major world powers rapidly expanded their territorial possessions. It was mainly based on the idea that the United States is different from other countries because of its specific world mission to spread democracy and liberty. Hawaii annexation of 1898 is notable instances of American imperialism (Sharman, par 1). However it was opposed with some groups such as the American anti-imperialist league who argued that it conflicted with the ideals and consent of the governed. American imperialism is depicted in the image as a teacher who symbolizes America gives instructions to the students who represent the affected countries such as Philippines, Hawaii, Porto Rico, and Cuba. There is also discontent from the students who seem to dislike the teacher’s conduct which indicates how the affected countries were dissatisfied with the United States operations which did not involve their consent.

During the process of the American imperialism, the American military was used as a tool to maintain law and order as well as threatening the enemies. Most of the affected countries feared their forces and did not have any other choice except to cooperate. This is evident in the image as the teacher who represent America threatens the students (affected countries) while using a cane (military force) which they seem to fear and finally responds to teachers call and instructions.

Racial segregation in the United States refers to the separation of racial groups in aspects of daily life. However it is mainly maintained as the separation of African Americans from Whites. It ranges from physical separation of racial groups to the separation of roles within the institutions such as schools. This is evident in the image as there are two groups of students in the picture. The white students who enjoy freedom and read in a friendly environment with all the possible learning materials and the black students who learn under turf and strict instructions while in fear and with limited learning facilities. The segregation is further depicted by a man who seems to work in a corner in fear and a teacher who is really in charge of his work.

The United States’ government passed policies that could deal with the Native Americans. They did not only attempt to squelch Native Americans uprising, but also sought to step their cultural practices from being spread to the younger generations. They consider the natives as problematic and tried to isolate them as much as possible. A good example of the reserves was Native Americans Reservations in Oklahoma (Cherry par 2). This is evident in the image as some of the students seen studying in isolation while others in hidden rooms that cannot be easily noticed.

The image seems a positive one since territories which cannot govern themselves need to be governed and shown the way governance is done. However, the method at which that is achieved is contrary to the expected outcome, making the reverse to be true. The image is, therefore, a critical image of America as the issues addressed in it are also critical