Cartoon by Paul Plaschke, Chicago Tribune, 1945.

Question

Note: During World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union were allies. Together, they were a big reason for the defeat of Germany. However, at the same time, the Soviets began a move to take control of countries in eastern Europe. Truman was concerned that if the Soviets entered the war against Japan, they would then demand land in East Asia. As it happened, 1,500,000 Soviet troops did attack Japanese soldiers in Manchuria, China, on August 9, the same day the US dropped the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki.

A cartoon by Paul Plaschke depicts the situation at Yalta. The cartoon shows John Bull, Joseph Stalin, and Uncle Sam playing poker. John Bull, cartoon symbol of England, similar to Uncle Sam represents Britain (Churchill) and Uncle Sam represents America (Roosevelt). Stalin, leader of the Soviet Union is taking pile of coins labeled Europe and next he is about to take pile of coins labeled China and India. A callout pointing to Stalin reads, excuse me while I reach. John Bull looks bewildered and Uncle Sam looks defeated.
Note:

A. Joseph Stalin, leader of the Soviet Union
B. Uncle Sam
C. John Bull, cartoon symbol of England, similar to Uncle Sam
D. Paul Plaschke, the cartoonist. This is how Plaschke signed his artwork.
Document number or letter
Source (Where did the document come from?)
Author of the Document
Source: (Primary or Secondary)
Main Idea of the Document
Key quote, image or data
Analytical category justified or unjustified

Answer 1

Document number or letter: 1945 Cartoon by Paul Plaschke

Source: Chicago Tribune

Author of the Document: Paul Plaschke

Source (Primary or Secondary): Primary

Main Idea of the Document: The cartoon illustrates the tensions and power dynamics among the Allies following World War II, highlighting Stalin's aggressive territorial ambitions in Europe and Asia, while depicting the confusion and helplessness of British and American leaders.

Key quote, image or data: The cartoon shows Stalin about to take piles of coins labeled "Europe" and "China and India" while John Bull looks bewildered and Uncle Sam appears defeated, with a callout from Stalin saying, “excuse me while I reach.”

Analytical category justified or unjustified: Justified. The cartoon reflects the concerns of Western allies regarding Soviet expansionism post-World War II, particularly in light of historical events following the war and the emerging Cold War tensions.