American Imperialism and Expansion

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States had aggressive policies when it came to expansion. The era of Expansionism helped to extend the United States' political and economic influence around the world.

Lesson Plans | Primary Sources

Lesson Plans:

The Age of Imperialism - This unit combines an engaging narrative with the broad resources. You can use this chapter in place of a standard textbook treatment of nineteenth-century American expansionism, or you can use it to supplement your existing Social Studies materials. The following lesson plan helps you establish and extend historical and instructional contexts and integrate the material into your United States history curriculum.

Imperialism and Expansion (Part 1) - The students will review the geography of the Caribbean and Pacific regions at the turn of the 19th and 20th Centuries. Identify territories acquired by the US during the Spanish-American War, and list and evaluate the arguments for and against imperialist expansion during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Imperialism and Expansion (Part 2) - The students will identify the nations that gained independence after the Spanish-American war, and describe American foreign policy at the turn of the century.

 

Primary Source Documents:

Internet Modern HIstory Sourcebook - American Imperialism Documents -This website contains links to many primary documents from the era of American Imperialism.  Documents discuss Panama, the Philippines, the Platt Amendment, and many other topics and regions.


Birth of the Empire as Seen Through Political Cartoons: 1896-1905 - Looks at the symbolic content of six political cartoons from the era of imperialism. Includes all of the cartoons, prep information, and discussion questions. (middle and high school). PDF Document




 

Theodore Roosevelt



The Cost of Advancement