Artifact #7: Political Cartoon of Mother Britannia, Uncle Sam, and Young Canada (1870)

Artifact 7:

Citation:

Anonymous. Leggotype (Canada). Ink on newsprint. Canadian Illustrated News, July 30, 1870. McCord Museum. Object Number M993X.5.1039. https://collections.musee-mccord-stewart.ca/en/objects/84154/canada.

Label:

This political cartoon was published in the Canadian Illustrated News in 1870 by an anonymous artist. It depicts a child as “Young Canada” standing up on their own between “Mother Britannia”, representing Britain, and “Uncle Sam”, representing the United States. It shows the changing relationship between Canada, Britain, and the United States after Canada’s Confederation. It symbolizes Canada’s growing independence under the British Crown while recognizing some lingering concerns about American influence.

This cartoon is connected to Confederation motives as it highlights Canada’s desire for self-governance and independence, as seen by the child standing up on their own. The depiction of Uncle Sam represents fears of annexation and territorial expansion by the United States, a concern that motivated the British North American colonies to unite for better security. Confederation allowed Canada to assert its identity separate from Britain while protecting itself from other threats, allowing for a stronger and independent nation.

Bibliography:

Matthews, Geoffrey J. "Confederation." The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada. Last modified March 20, 2019. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/confederation.