what is the big difference between anime and cartoons?   

cartoons are for kids, anime is for older kids. anime is from places like japan korea china and taiwan, cartoons are american.

I'm going to bring some attention here.

Animation is the huge collection of everything. Anime, CGI, etc. are all in the long-run.

Anime is NOT a genre, but an art style. Shows like Wakfu, Avatar, and RWBY are all considered anime not because of where they originated, but because of how they are presented. Yes, the majority of anime comes from Asian countries, but other places are starting to catch up.

Cartoons tend to be drawn in a different way than anime. Characteristics common in anime (such as the electricity-strike between two characters showing they hate/rival each other) isn't as close in plain cartoons.

To be truly honest, everyone has their opinions on whether anime is strictly Asian, or if other countries can join in. It's all a matter of who accepts what.