Should America Expand Overseas?

Transcription

1 Should America Expand Overseas? Christine Colihan and Amy Vitcusky Lesson Description: This lesson will allow students to analyze the various arguments at the turn of the 20 th century debating America s role in the world; specifically should America join in on the imperial race? Students will be split into two groups and hold a debate on the pros and cons concerning America becoming an imperial power. Students will be asked to either create a political cartoon or write an essay supporting the side they were given in the debate. Grade Level: 11 th Time Required: Two 45-minute classes or one 90-minute block Benchmark Addressed: This lesson will address Standard 3 (interpretation). Students will compare competing historical narratives by contrasting different historian s choice of questions, use and choice of sources, perspectives, beliefs and points of view, in order to demonstrate how these factors contribute to different interpretations. Students will examine statements from pro- and anti-imperialists and drawing their own conclusions and supporting the position they are given in class Essential Question Addressed: Why might different historians disagree as to whether it is necessary for an industrial power to exert its will and influence on other peoples and/or nations in order to expand their own prosperity? Enduring Understanding: Students will understand that Americans and historians view imperialism in different ways. Some Americans justified imperialism at the turn of the 20 th century racially, economically or morally while others continued to see imperialism as something truly Un-American. By examining the different arguments from this time period students will see that many of the same debates rage on in American society today, concerning America s influence around the world. Materials: Handout One: Directions for debate Handout Two: Fact Sheets for anti- and pro-imperialist arguments Overheads 3, 4, 5- political cartoons

2 Procedures: 1. Before this lesson begins, students should have already learned about what imperialism is, at least some basic concepts concerning the European race for empire and the gaining of territories as the result of the Spanish American war and other conquests in the late 19 th century for the USA. We suggest using this lesson as a culminating activity for an Imperialism unit. We also suggest splitting the room into two distinct halves before the class arrives. 2. As an introductory hook, ask students if they believe that the United States was justified in expansion at the turn of the 20 th century. Display political cartoon #1 on an overhead and have the students (working on their own or in pairs) come up with a pro and con of American imperialism. Repeat activity with Political Cartoon #2 and #3. Ask students what the perspective of each political cartoonist is (for or against imperialism). After a discussion of their answers explain that these exact arguments were occurring during the time period 3. Tell students that they will be split into two groups: the pro-imperialists and the anti-imperialists. An easy way to split the class would be anyone with last name A-L would be a pro-imperialist and M-Z anti-imperialist. 4. Handout the directions for the debate. In partners within their group they should analyze the fact sheets provided and for each point of the opposite side they should come up with a counterpoint with explanation- they should have at least four points. Each pair of students will have an opportunity to issue a point and the teacher can pick or students can volunteer on the other side to issue the counterpoint. A suggestion would be to have students create placards so when they want to speak they can hold it up to insure an orderly debate. 5. Handout fact sheets and give students about minutes to prepare. Students should pick a partner and discuss their fact sheet before the class debate begins. 6. Begin the debate, using one group from the pro-imperialists to go first. The teacher may need to redirect the students and/or give time limits to their points and counterpoints.

3 Debrief: 1. Ask students to talk about how they really feel (no matter what side they are on) and if they can relate any of the issues discussed to present American foreign policy and ask them to explain their reasons. 2. Ask students if they believed the arguments each side had was valid and which arguments held more weight than others. 3. Ask students to decide if overseas expansion should be important to America today and discuss how our policy has changed through our history. Assessment: 1. For homework tell students they need to draw a political cartoon or write a 5 paragraph essay supporting the side of the debate they were on in class.

4 Handout One: Debate directions Pro-Imperialists vs. Anti-Imperialist Debate It is the year 1900 and Americans are having conversations about if the United State should continue to be an imperialist nation and expand overseas or not. You are an - Imperialist. 1. Your job will be to review your own fact sheet and pick two points that you feel supports your position and be prepared to defend them with an explanation. A. Point One we support - Explanation, support and evidence: B. Point Two we support - Explanation, support and evidence:

5 2. You will also pick two arguments from the opposing side and come up with explanations as to why you do not agree with their point. A. Point One we DON T support - Explanation, support and evidence: B. Point Two we DON T support - Explanation, support and evidence: 3. You can use any other materials (computer, notebook, or textbook) that you might find useful to back up your argument with historical evidence. Also please use more paper if this is not enough room! 4. You and your partner will be expected to issue one point and one counterpoint during the debate so be ready! You will be graded on how well you were prepared and your actual arguments.

6 Handout Two: Pro-Imperialist Fact Sheet: Think of the tens of thousands of Americans who will invade mine and field and forest in the Philippines when a liberal government, protected and controlled by this republic, if not the government of this republic itself, shall establish order and equity there! - Albert J. Beveridge The people of the Caribbean and Pacific ocean are not ready for Democracy, they are backward and should not be afforded the same rights as US citizens until they are comfortable with the ideals of Democracy We need a new frontier since America reaches from the Atlantic to the Pacific we need new lands to keep us from losing our competitive edge. We need to continue our exploring and pioneering spirit! Imperialism is a celebration of American tradition and creative spirit. We need to gain access to foreign markets especially in Asia. The Philippines makes a great place for us to park our trading ships We need these territories for military reasons. We need to have our navy in the Pacific ocean for our protection from other countries European countries had conquered most of Asia and Africa, the United States would not seem as powerful as Great Britain, France or Germany if we don t gain territories and colonies as well We have a surplus of goods in the USA, we need to have territories so they can buy these goods Americans are making American businessmen should invest in overseas markets and in order to protect their interests we need a large navy.

7 The theory of social Darwinism- we need to introduce Christianity and modern civilization to the heathens of the world We can use the raw materials from the territories to make our country more prosperous

8 Anti-Imperialist Fact Sheet This Nation cannot endure with part of its people citizens and part colonists. - Joseph Henry Crooker Expanding overseas is a rejection of the nation s foundation of liberty for all The Constitution must follow the flag meaning that people in territories controlled by the USA should be entitled to the same guarantees in the US Constitution as US citizens are Racism (belief that difference in one s character or intelligence is due to race) was a cause for imperialism. Americans believe that the Anglo-Saxon race is superior and we should be able to have power over peoples in the Caribbean and the Pacific and that is not a good reason for expansion Had the Filipinos been white and fought as bravely as they have, the war would have been ended and their independence granted a long time ago Bishop Alexander Walters We do not want to absorb more races into the United States, we already have enough different ethnicities and races as it is More taxes since we have to support our military overseas controlling these territories and maybe they might enact a military draft if enough men don t volunteer Laborers coming from other American territories would compete for jobs of Americans already living here Political Cartoon #1

9 Political Cartoon #2

10 Political Cartoon #3

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