Question/Problem 3: How did the United States exert its influence as a world power?

Objectives

Description of lesson/activity

Resources

1. explain that the United States had an increased leadership role after the Spanish American War both in the Western Hemisphere and the world.

2. explain how the failure of the United States to join the League of Nations eliminated its leadership role.

3. interpret and compare political cartoons.

4. gather information from a variety of resources.

1. The teacher should introduce the accompanying "World Power Political Cartoon-- 1905" and discuss significance with students.

2. Students should complete the accompanying "Rating United States World Involvement" Chart using their textbook and other available resources. Directions are found on a separate worksheet.

3. The class discussion based on completed charts should emphasize the growth of United States leadership and its subsequent decline after the failure of Congress to ratify the Treaty of Versailles.

4. The teacher should introduce the "World Power Political Cartoon-- 1920." Comparison of the 1920 cartoon and the 1905 cartoon should emphasize the changing role of the United States in world affairs.

1. Student textbook

2. Resource 1: "World Power Political Cartoon -1905" Worksheet

3. Resource 2: Rating United States World Involvement: Directions for Filling the Chart

4. Resource 3: Rating United States World Involvement: Chart

5. Resource 4: "World Power Political Cartoon - 1920" Worksheet