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Activity
3: Supporting evidence
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Answer |
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The
cartoon
 The
cartoon represents a North Korean or Chinese interpretation
of the conflict in Korea. In the cartoon two landmasses
are shown. To the left foreground the land is
labelled Korea, and the island to the right foreground
is labelled Taiwan. Korea is being defended with
bayonets fixed to rifles against a large figure
partly in the water and partly leaning on Taiwan
for support. The figure has blood dripping from
its right hand, perhaps from some earlier bloodthirsty
deed, perhaps as a result of an injury from the
bayonets.  The
figure is drooling, wears dark glasses and has
a revolver in its left hand. It is made to look
unpleasant by being very hairy which can be seen
on its bare legs and arms. The figure wears an
American style cap, has US on its collar and a
swastika on its shoulder insignia.
The
figure represents American aggression or imperialism
and an attempt to extend their influence in the
region.
Nationalist
Taiwan is shown as a tiny figure hanging onto
and cowering behind America's left, gun holding,
hand and arm. South Korea is shown as a tiny figure
in military uniform dangling off the tie of the
American trying to escape the rifles and bayonets.
The
text source
 The
text source supports the cartoon in the sense
that it is a written interpretation of the United
States' motive in Korea. The text begins by arguing
that the US sees Taiwan as part of a 'vital link
in the chain of bases … thrown aggressively across
… the pacific'. The source goes on to report an
alleged comment by a US diplomat that their aim
is to have air superiority in the region.
In
the second paragraph, the author of the text claims
President Truman of the USA sent the US 7th fleet
to the region to prevent the liberation of Taiwan.
The third and fourth paragraphs explain Chinese
interpretations of American imperialism and their
support for anti-Chinese 'quislings' who seek
to prevent the return of Chinese territory to
China. The text finishes with a statement that
when the time is right the people will rise and
'throw the American imperialists and their lackeys
into the Pacific'.
Whilst
the written source does not directly mention Korea,
it does support the anti-United States/ anti-imperialistic
theme of the cartoon and the anti-Taiwan message.
It also shows Chinese and North Korean perspective.
Neither source shows how widely held these views
were felt, but both are typical propaganda items
and present similar issues of reliability and
value.
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