The Spanish brute adds mutilation to murder: Propaganda in the Spanish American War
Date
Credits
- Grant Hamilton Illustrator
Format
- Magazine 652
- Illustration 293
Publishers
Techniques
- illustration 132
- printing 438
Locations Made
- United States 756
- New York 368
Links
In the aftermath of the explosion of the USS Main, newspapers and publications across the United States engaged in sensationalist and exaggerated journalism known as yellow journalism. Despite little evidence of Spanish involvement at the time, publications leaped to create political cartoons and articles putting the blame of US deaths on the Spanish Government.
This example titled "The Spanish brute adds mutilation to murder" is particularly egregious as it dehumanizes its caricature of Spain by portraying Spain as a violent beast. Published in the Republican Party associated magazine Judge, illustrations like this actively promoted violent retaliation. These articles played an important role in swaying public opinion, generating support for military action against the Spanish, and eventually led to the Spanish American War.
