Question/Problem 2: How did America become an imperial nation?

Objectives

Description of lesson/activity

Resources

1. describe the reasons for and outcomes of the Spanish±American War.

2. recognize and compare the points of view both supporting and opposing imperialism.

3. apply their knowledge of imperialism to the creation of a political cartoon.

Description of lesson/activity:

1. Students should read, individually or in a whole class setting, and complete the accompanying "Reasons for the War" worksheet as an introduction to the Spanish-American War.

2. The teacher should provide additional information regarding steps leading to the Spanish-American War, battles of that war, the war's outcomes and the debate over American Imperialism. Emphasis should be placed on the United States' acquisition of territory as a result of the war.

3. The students should be directed to make two lists; one should list the reasons for imperialism and the other should list the reasons opposing it. The teacher may wish to supplement textbooks with the accompanying "Imperialism Readings."

4. Students should then be directed to draw two political cartoons. One cartoon should support American expansion/imperialism and the other cartoon should support the anti-imperialist point of view. Students should receive the accompanying "Imperialism Political Cartoons: Assessment Criteria" as a guide for this assignment.

5. Evaluation of the cartoons should be based on demonstrated knowledge of pro and con arguments. The teacher should use the assessment criteria for grading purposes.

1. Student Textbook

2. "Reasons for War" Worksheet

3. Imperialism Readings

   Imperialism Readings: Readings I

   Imperialism Readings: Readings II

4. "Imperialism Political Cartoons: Assessment Criteria" handout