Master Link:
(American Expansion) To Do:
Links to Follow: You need a background to understand the following activities on American expansion during the 1890's. At the following site below type in the word "Imperialism," http://encarta.msn.com/EncartaHome.asp After you believe you understand the definition please move on to Activity One. Make sure you read all of Activity 1 background before you begin your activities. Unit America's Expansion and World War I documents America move away from our isolationism to one of involvement.
Activity 1 Background: With the closing of the frontier in 1890, in addition to America's continued economic growth, America soon found itself moving against the advice of our first president, George Washington, who had warned in his Farewell address, to stay away from "entangling alliances," in particular with Europe. His advice, in terms of America's foreign policy was to steer a course towards isolationism. Before 1890, this seemed a possibility. However, three factors argued against this course: The need for new markets to sell America's products combined with almost a religious zeal to convert the pagan hordes along with those whose vision of America's greatness demanded expansion outside of our continental borders. In order for America to take its place among the great nations of the world, it was argued my Alfred Thayer Mahan, in his Influence of Sea Power, that a navy was needed. It fact, he hypothized that no nation could become great without one. Indeed America had tested the waters of expansion before 1890 in our missionary presence in some of the pacific islands, in particular Hawaii, (1880's) our forage into Japan by Admiral Perry, (1854) to our desired inclusion or Open Door Policy (1884) in the economic markets or China which was increasingly finding itself being divided into by European powers. With our involvement in the Spanish-American War (1898- "A splendid little war" - John Hay) and America's relatively quick victory America soon found itself in procession of new territories. What to do with the new territories was a cause for debate. Historically we had never been a nation which demand colonies to contol, in the exact mold of the European powers. Not that we did not have has history of expansion. Rather, our expansion had been, for the most part internal, "from sea to shining sea." In addition, one needs look no further to our future treatment of these new peoples than our policies towards "people of color" within our own border. Slaves or Native- Americas could write volumes of their treatment by this new America nation at the hands of those in power. After 1890 "Isolationism or Imperialism" became the watchwords of the debate that would rage concerning American foreign policy for the next century.
Activity 1 Links:
Activity 1 Directions: Questions, Questions, Questions: At the sites above read all the documentation then answer the following ten questions. Type out each question, (or cut and paste) then provide the answer below it.. If you use other sites or resources besides the one provided you must document the material in giving me the internet addresses. (50 points possible)
1. Describe the foreign policy known as expansionism or imperialism, and explain what motivated the United States to adopt this policy in the nineteenth century.
2. Describe Commodore Perry's objective in entering Edo Bay, the negotiations that took place between him and the Japanese officials, and the result of these negotiations.
3. Explain how Americans gradually increased their influence over Hawaii's economy and government in the nineteenth century.
4. Describe the circumstances surrounding the explosion of the battleship Maine and the American response to that event.
5. You might have to search for this one but what do we think today caused the sinking of the Maine?
6. Describe the results of the Spanish-American War, including the ensuing war in the Philippines.
7. Explain the "spheres of influence" that existed in nineteenth-century China, how they affected United States trade in China, and how John Hay's Open Door policy would have changed the economic situation there.
8. Explain the causes and results of the Boxer Rebellion.
9. Explain why a canal across the isthmus of Central America was strategically important to the United States.
10. Define the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine.
Activity 2: Background: In "Activity 1," we discussed how after the end of the Spanish-American War, in 1898, America found itself in the possession of new territories as well as the inhabitants of these lands. Not all Americans agreed on what to do with people and lands they had acquired. Some argued against America's control, (Isolationists) while others, (Imperialists) said as part of the "White Man's Burden," it was indeed our right, in fact our historic duty or destiny to control these lands and peoples. It can be argued that some of the individuals who argued for expansion saw it as continued part or our Manifesy Destiny, one of the arguments that had been used to control the lands and the peoples that we encountered in our expansion westward before 1890.
Activity 2 Links:
Activty 2 Directions: Points of View: Complete the chart below. Research the following individuals and state their position as well as their reason for American expansion during the late 1900's. If the individual is associated with a specific body of work, please list it. (Queen Liliuokalani , Emilio Aguinaldo, Theodore Roosevelt, William H. Steward, Alfred Thayer Mahan, Joseph Pulitzer, William Randolph Hearst, Albert Beveridge, Henry Cabot Lodge and Jane Adams (50 Points Possible)Note: All essays will be graded according to the Helix Writing and Points Rubrics .
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Pro/Con Expansion and Body of work |
Views on Expansion/Specific Reason for Their View |
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Queen Liliuokalani |
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Emilio Aguinaldo |
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Theodore Roosevelt |
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William H. Seward |
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Alfred Thayer Mahan |
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Joseph Pulitzer |
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William Randolph Hearst |
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Albert Beveridge |
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Henry Cabot Lodge |
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Jane Adams |
Activity 3: Background: As we have discussed, America after 1890 found itself in possession or control of new lands. We had become a colonial power. What to do with these lands and peoples however became a major topic of debate. One of the major advocates of expansion as well as the control of the peoples involved was Josiah Strong, a Congregationist minister, who wrote an influential work, Our Country, which argued for the spread of Christianity, from "Mexico, Central and South America out upon the islands of the sea over upon Africa and beyond." However we were not the first colonial power: England, France. Spain, Holland, had become colonial powers almost two hundred years before. In addition, many of the powers had debated the wisdom of expansion. For example, in England the issue in part revolved around the White Man's Burden, a belief which expounded upon the need of Whites to control not only theirs but others destiny. In fact one theory arose which ordered individuals rates of intelligence based solely on skin color. What a surprise when Anglos found themselves on top of the pyramid. This belief manifest itself in a vaiety of forms, for example in popular literature and political cartoons of the time. What follows is one example of this belief from literature as well as one example from political cartooning.
Activity 3: Directions and Link: The White Man's Burden In a page and a half, to two pages demonstrate your understanding of both the poem, The White Man's Burden, as well as the politcal cartoon that follows. Link the poem and the cartoon together. What are they attempting to impress or get the reader to believe? In order to complete this activity you must have a good understanding of the issued involved concerning American expansion. If you have difficulty with this activity, review the material you examined in Activities 1 & 2 before you proceed. (50 points Possible) Note: All essays will be graded according to the Helix Writing and Points Rubrics .
Activity 4: Background: Some of those who argued against American expansion formed organizations that lobbied against American Expansion. One of the most prominent of these groups was the Anti-Imperialism League a group whose members included Henry Ford, among other prominent Americans. Some who argued against America expansion said that it went against the principles expounded upon in our own Declaration of Independence and Constitution. In fact this group still exists. The fact that slavery had been eliminated by the 13 the amendment did not mean that slavery no longer existed. Legal slavery indeed ended, however another, almost most sinister form took its place; "Legalized Segregation" in Jim Crow legislation which occured in many parts of the U.S. during the late 1800's and throuought much of this century. If Plessy v. Ferguson gave segregation its form then the Klan gave segregation is weight and mussel.
Activity 4 Directions and Link
a. Read the following short essay :
b. summarize the author's position on American expansion. Are they for or against expansion? What specific reasons are given to back their position?
c. Given the times and attitudes (the Jim Crow Legislation, the Klan etc. . .) does the position of the author seem appropriate to the times? (50 points Possible) AfroAmerViewofExpansion Note: All essays will be graded according to the Helix Writing and Points Rubrics .
Address to the Colored People of the United States, by Thomas Wentworth Higginson, William Lloyd Garrison, and George S. Boutwell, Sept. 26,1900
Activity 5 Background: In previous activities from your study of the Populists and the Progressives, we have examined some of the individuals and groups which were affected by the Industrial Revolution of the late 1800's. To review, working condition were often horrendous; 13 hours a day was not uncommon, poor often dangerous working were the norm. Additionally, if you were injured you were simply replaced. a constant supply of new immigrants and migrants from the American farmlands would see to this. Minimum wage or benefits, in the way or vacations, sick leave, or overtime pay were for the most part non-existent. Add to this, the belief by many individuals as well as the government in Lassaiz Faire, led many factory workers into poverty and those who controlled the machinery of industry, J.D. Rockerfeller and Andrew Carnegie to name two, to be able to amass vast fortunes. Poverty was often seen as a natural process, part of the process of Industrialization, in fact, some individuals even attempted to justify the process. The myth of "rages to riches," as exemplified in Horatio Alger stories had enough truth to it, much like the current lottery fever in California and the nation, that many individuals, industrialists, as well as government officials saw the process as natural. "Some have, some have not." In addition ,the theory of Social Dawinism combined with the Gospel of Wealth provided strong additional arguments for government non-intervention within the economy.
Activity 5: Directions and Link: Social Dawinism In a minimum of two pages, write your reactions to the reading that follows. Demonstrate your understanding of the concepts involved and your reactions to these concepts. (50 Points Possible) Note: All essays will be graded according to the Helix Writing and Points Rubrics .
Activity 6: Directions Expansion Poster: Create a poster from the perspective of one of the individuals listed in Activity 2. Your work should try to convince the public as to the righteousness of your position. you should review some of the terms that go into propaganda before you begin this activity. (poster size 8 1/2 * 11, on white unlined paper. (30 points possible)
Activity 7: Background The First World War:1914-1920
The First World War brought death to millions of people, especially in Europe. As we look back now, we can identify several long-range causes of the war, such as nationalism, imperialism, increased militarism, and military alliances. Each of several ethnic groups wished to form their own nation. Russia saw itself as champion of all Slavic peoples, even those in Austria-Hungary. In addition, industrialization and nationalism led to imperialism overseas, where Great Britain, France, and Germany were competing for colonies. Competing nations built up their military and naval forces. A system of alliances created a dangerous situation. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, however, was the immediate cause, or spark of World War 1. In fact many in England, France and Germany thought the war would be short, with few deaths. Many believed they would be home to celebrate the holidays. Little did they realize that four years later, and after millions of deaths, that the war would continue. Mustard gas, British tanks, planes, machines guns, along with trensh warfare, mud and rain and rats would contribute to the misery until the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in1919.
Before America's entry into World War 1, most American's agreed with President Wilson's policy of neutrality towards the war in Europe, even though a majority favored Britain and France. In addition starting with George Washington, America had attempted to follow an Isolationist foreign policy. Increasingly Americans found this near impossible to do. The American people regarded with horror the Germany invasion of France and the ensuring bloody trench warfare, with terrible new weapons adding to millions of deaths. British warships blockaded Germany and German submarines began to take American lives at sea. In 1916 Wilson won reselection by promising to keep the United States out of the war. However, Germany's sinking of the Luisitania and the loss of American lives soon combined with the Zimmerman note and the revolution in Russia and added to the pressure for American involvement in the war. Germany's promised to end their attacks on neutral shipping but within time found itself going back on this promise. Gradually, the nation edged closer to active participation in the war. Finally, on April 6,1917, Congress declared war on Germany. By means of a draft, Americans mobilized an army, which included black troops in segregated units. To mobilized the economy, Congress gave the executive branch new war time powers. In fact one could argue that the war combined with other factors to help sound the death knoll for Laissez Faire. Federal boards regulated key industries, labor unions, and food production. The government borrowed billions of dollars by selling United States saving bonds. Among the people, conformity became the order of the day. The Espionage and Sedition Acts were against radicals, pacifists, and others who spoke against war. Americans were suspicious of everything German. After Russia withdrew from the war because of the Bolshevik Revolution, the arrival of the American troops in Europe led to eventually to victory for the Allies.
At the Versailles Peace Conference, Wilson fought for his Fourteen Points. These included the establishment of a League of Nations. The 1919 peace treaty carved out new nations from territories previously held by Germany, Austria-Hungray, Turkey, and Russia. By the treaty's terms, Germany had to give up its overseas colonies, admit guilt for the war, reduce its armed forces, and pay reparations. After thee peace conference, isolationist fears mounted in the United States Senate. Wilson stubbornly refused to compromise with his critics in the Senate, and the Senate refused to ratify the treaty. By now ill and broken, Wilson failed to bring the United States into the League of Nations.
Chronology of Main Events
1914- World War 1 begins in Europe
1917- Wilson inauguration for second term, Germany resumes unrestricted submarine warfare; U.S. declares war on Germany
1918- Wilson presents Fourteen points; armistice ends war
1919- Treaty of Versailles signed
Activity 7 Link:
Activity 7 Directions: Letter Reading: Read all the letters found at the site below. After you have read these letters, write a letter back to Mrs. Mack., offering her your condolences as well as an your insight into the death of her son. In order to understand her son you must read all the letters. Points will be awarded according to your ability to integrate your understanding of Mrs Mack's son into your letter. (30 possible points)
Activity 8: Background: I believe John Lennon was in the film "What if They Gave a War and Nobody Came?" A provocative thought perhaps. Yet truely, if a war is to take place somebody must do the fighting. And how does a country go about gathering the materials and individuals necessary to conduct a war? One way is through the use of propaganda and the techniques used in its implementation. One needs look no further than modern advertising to understand some of techniques involved. Why do we buy what we do? Who make the best sales people? "I want to be like Mike." What are brand names? Why do we buy the products we do? "Image is Everthing," Some have said that to take anothers life we must somehow make that individual less than human. This too perhaps is one the goals of propaganda expecially during wartime. During WW I, Germany, England, France, The United States, and Italy were some of the countries that claimed God was on their side.
Activity 8: Directions and Links Propaganda: You will be creating two propaganda posters on World War I. Click the links below to examine different techniques that can be used by propagandists. After you believe you understand these techniques, you must create two posters on World War I, that demonstrate:
(1) your understanding of the propaganda techniques and
(2) your understanding of World War I. Specifics on your poster project can be found at: (20 points possible each)
Activity 9 Background: From the Revolutionary War of the late 1700's, to the America's involvement in Vietnam (1954-1973) each war contains elements of the other. For example, wars cost money. How will it be raised. Wars normally have causes, both long term and immediate. Your job in this activity is one that you can use to answer most questions that might arise concerning any war. In addition, sometimes a war can have more than one start date. For example, during World War II the start date for Europeans began with Hiter's invasion of Poland in 1939, while the U.S. attempted to remain neutral until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (1941).
Activity 9 Links:
Activity 9 Directions: War Handout Summary: You must demonstrate your knowledge of World War I by completing the the chart listed at the site below. All parts must be completed. A variety of sites is provided below to help you with your handout. Answer all questions. Label and mark each section. Minimum length- (2 typed pages.) (50 points possible) If you become confused with any of the parts of the activity please contact me via my email address:rsutton@helixcharter.net