Lesson 1: New Imperialism

What were similarities and differences among attitudes about the nation's proper role in the world?

The United States became increasingly involved in global affairs and pursued an imperialist policy, taking control of territories in the Pacific and Caribbean regions. This was fueled by a belief in American exceptionalism and a desire to spread American values and institutions.

Contrary to U.S. policy, many Americans believed that imperialism went against the principles of democracy and freedom, and that the United States should not engage in the colonization and exploitation of other countries.

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"American Empire"

How did American foreign policy change in the late-nineteenth century?
What arguments did Americans make to support interventions abroad?
How was the question of immigration tied up with American imperialism?
How did nativism shape American immigration?
What role did American women play in imperialism?

Motives for Imperialism

As European powers carved up Africa and Asia, the United States began to look for opportunities to expand its own overseas empire. This led to the annexation of Hawaii in 1898 and the acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines following the Spanish-American War.

Overall, the late 19th century saw the United States shift from a policy of isolationism to one of interventionism, as it sought to expand its influence and protect its economic and strategic interests around the world.

Document Analysis

01 Motives for Imperialism

What were the causes and effects of the Spanish-American War?

Spanish-American War

Who controlled Cuba at this time? What was going on in Cuba and why would the US be interested?

Why do you think the US, under President McKinley, sent ships to Cuba? How did the media play a role?
How did Americans react to the sinking of the Maine? What did the US do not long after the explosion?

Analyzing the News

Documents A and B are both newspaper stories written about the sinking of the battleship USS Maine. In your notes, list one similarity and one difference between the stories. Be prepared to share with the class.

Spanish American War Docs

Pro- And Anti-Imperialist Attitudes

Effects of the Spanish-American War

03 Debate Over the Philippines Gallery Walk

Escape Room

Complete the puzzles in the escape room activity to solve determine the real cause of the Spanish-American War.

02.2 Excape Room Spanish American War - ACTIVITY

Skills Packet

"Causation: New Imperialism"

"Argumentation: 'The Spanish-American War ...'"

How did U.S. foreign policy change in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the United States move from a relatively isolationist stance to a more assertive and engaged role in global affairs.

Roosevelt Corollary & the Panama Canal

Panama Canal

04 Panama Canal & Roosevelt Corollary

Isolationist to Interventionist Policies

Make a timeline with specific examples (1 each) of events that correspond to the following foreign policies. Choose events that illustrate a change U.S. foreign policy.