A troublesome egg to hatch
Subject(s): Boxer Rebellion (China : 1899-1901), China, Edward VII, King of Great Britain, 1841-1910, Eggs, Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria, 1830-1916, International relations, Kings and rulers, Loubet, Emile, 1838-1929, Meiji, Emperor of Japan, 1852-1912, Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia, 1868-1918, Sin, Uncle Sam (Symbolic character), Victor Emmanuel III, King of Italy, 1869-1947, William II, German Emperor, 1859-1941
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The rulers of “Russia,” “Germany,” “Italy,” “Austria,” “France,” and “England” are chickens trying to hatch a large egg labeled “China.” A chicken labeled “Japan” stands in the background with Uncle Sam, also as a chicken, perched on a fence in the rear.
Comments and Context
This is one of dozens of cartoons published during the Boxer Rebellion that depicts the conflict as merely intractable or challenging rather than as an insoluble crisis. The cartoonist also perpetuates the situation as being one where the United States (Uncle Sam) is nothing more than an observer. In truth, U. S. Marines played a major role in defending the besieged legations and defeating the Chinese insurgents.
Collection
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
Creation Date
1901-04-06
Creator(s)
Pughe, J. S. (John S.), 1870-1909
Period
Vice President of the United States (1901)
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:
A troublesome egg to hatch. [April 6, 1901]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o275830. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Pughe, J. S. (John S.), 1870-1909. A troublesome egg to hatch. [6 Apr. 1901]. Image.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. March 12, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o275830.
APA:
Pughe, J. S. (John S.), 1870-1909., [1901, April 6]. A troublesome egg to hatch.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o275830.
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 12, 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.
