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A monkey wearing a plumed hat labeled “European Powers” and a cat wearing clerical robes labeled “Missionary” sit in front of a fireplace. The cat is reaching a paw toward the flames and a chestnut labeled “China.”
Comments and Context
The inspiration for this cartoon was the Boxer Rebellion, a native Chinese insurrection against foreign (largely European, Japanese, and American) influences in China. Although disputes over land, trade, and religion lasted many years, the major flash-points occurred 1898-1901, when the Boxers grew militant. In the West, they were known as Boxers because of a translation of the Chinese term for the caste’s martial arts. At the very time of this cartoon, eight concerned nations sent troops to alleviate their besieged nations in the Legation District of the Imperial City. Throughout China, Western communities and Christian churches were being plundered, and Westerners slaughtered, all after years of foreign interference and exploitation of China. America, never a claimant to lands or spheres of influence to the extent of European and Japanese powers, nevertheless participated in the military-led relief effort against the siege.
Collection
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
Creation Date
1900-07-04
Creator(s)
Period
Governor of New York (October 1898-1900)
Repository
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
Page Count
1
Record Type
Image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
The old story. [July 4, 1900]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o275573. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Keppler, Udo J., 1872-1956. The old story. [4 Jul. 1900]. Image.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. March 5, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o275573.
APA:
Keppler, Udo J., 1872-1956., [1900, July 4]. The old story.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o275573.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. March 5, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs.
APA:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs.
