Standards Alignment
- TEKS.113.41.04A primary
explain why significant events, policies, and individuals, including the Spanish-American War, U.S. expansionism, Alfred Thayer Mahan, Theodore Roosevelt, and Sanford B. Dole moved the United States into the position of a world power; - TEKS.113.41.04B primary
evaluate American expansionism, including acquisitions such as Guam, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico;
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Lesson Overview
This lesson explores how significant events, policies, and individuals such as the Spanish-American War, U.S. expansionism, Alfred Thayer Mahan, Theodore Roosevelt, and Sanford B. Dole contributed to the United States becoming a world power between 1898 and 1920. Students will analyze the causes and effects of American expansionism, including territorial acquisitions like Guam, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico, and evaluate the roles of influential figures and policies in this transformation.
Learning Objectives
- Explain how the Spanish-American War, U.S. expansionism, Alfred Thayer Mahan, Theodore Roosevelt, and Sanford B. Dole contributed to the United States becoming a world power.
- Evaluate the impact of American expansionism by examining acquisitions such as Guam, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico.
Success Criteria
- Students can describe the causes and outcomes of the Spanish-American War and its role in U.S. expansion.
- Students can identify and explain the contributions of Alfred Thayer Mahan, Theodore Roosevelt, and Sanford B. Dole to U.S. foreign policy and expansion.
- Students can evaluate the significance of U.S. territorial acquisitions during this period.
- Students can create timelines or charts that connect events, policies, and individuals to the emergence of the U.S. as a world power.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of U.S. history post-Civil War, including the concept of imperialism and the role of the United States in the late 19th century.
Key Vocabulary
- Spanish-American War
- U.S. expansionism
- Alfred Thayer Mahan
- Theodore Roosevelt
- Sanford B. Dole
- Guam
- Hawaii
- Philippines
- Puerto Rico
- world power
- imperialism
Materials and Resources
- Maps of U.S. territorial acquisitions (Guam, Hawaii, Philippines, Puerto Rico)
- Timeline templates
- Primary source excerpts (e.g., speeches by Theodore Roosevelt, writings of Alfred Thayer Mahan)
- Images and political cartoons related to the Spanish-American War and expansionism
- Chart paper and markers
Teacher Preparation
- Prepare visuals showing U.S. territorial acquisitions between 1898 and 1920.
- Gather primary source excerpts and images related to key individuals and events.
- Create a timeline template for students to fill in during the lesson.
- Prepare discussion questions that connect historical events to the concept of U.S. emergence as a world power.
Detailed Lesson Notes
The Spanish-American War and U.S. Emergence as a World Power
The Spanish-American War (1898) was a pivotal event that marked the United States' emergence as a global power. The war began after the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor and was fueled by U.S. support for Cuban independence from Spain. The conflict resulted in a quick victory for the U.S., leading to the Treaty of Paris (1898), which granted the U.S. control over former Spanish territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This war demonstrated the U.S.'s willingness to engage in overseas military conflict and expanded its influence beyond the North American continent.
U.S. Expansionism and Territorial Acquisitions
Following the Spanish-American War, the United States pursued expansionist policies to increase its global presence. The acquisition of territories such as Guam, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico provided strategic military and economic advantages. Hawaii was annexed in 1898, partly due to Sanford B. Dole's role in overthrowing the Hawaiian monarchy and establishing a government favorable to U.S. interests. These acquisitions allowed the U.S. to project power across the Pacific and Caribbean, facilitating trade and military operations.
Alfred Thayer Mahan and Naval Power
Alfred Thayer Mahan was a U.S. naval officer and historian whose ideas greatly influenced American foreign policy. He argued that national greatness depended on naval supremacy and control of key sea routes. His book, "The Influence of Sea Power upon History," advocated for a strong navy, overseas bases, and a canal through Central America (which later became the Panama Canal). Mahan's theories encouraged the U.S. to build a modern navy and acquire strategic territories to support naval operations, reinforcing its status as a world power.
Theodore Roosevelt's Role in Expansionism
Theodore Roosevelt, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy and later President, was a strong proponent of American expansionism and naval power. He supported the Spanish-American War and oversaw the construction of the Great White Fleet, a demonstration of U.S. naval strength. Roosevelt also played a key role in the construction of the Panama Canal, which connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, enhancing U.S. military and economic reach. His "Big Stick" diplomacy emphasized negotiating peacefully while maintaining a strong military presence.
Sanford B. Dole and the Annexation of Hawaii
Sanford B. Dole was a key figure in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. As president of the provisional government of Hawaii, he advocated for annexation by the United States to protect American economic interests, particularly in sugar plantations. The annexation of Hawaii in 1898 provided the U.S. with a vital naval base at Pearl Harbor and a strategic location in the Pacific, further supporting U.S. expansionism and military power projection.
Worked Examples
Worked Example 1
Scenario
Explain how the Spanish-American War contributed to the United States becoming a world power.
Explanation
The Spanish-American War resulted in the U.S. acquiring overseas territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. These acquisitions expanded U.S. influence beyond its borders, establishing it as a colonial power and increasing its military and economic reach globally.
Answer Guide
The Spanish-American War allowed the U.S. to gain important territories, which helped it become a world power by expanding its influence and military presence overseas.
Worked Example 2
Scenario
Describe Alfred Thayer Mahan's influence on U.S. expansionism.
Explanation
Mahan argued that a strong navy and control of sea routes were essential for national power. His ideas encouraged the U.S. to build a powerful navy and acquire overseas bases, which supported expansion and global influence.
Answer Guide
Mahan influenced U.S. expansion by promoting naval strength and overseas bases, leading to increased military power and territorial acquisitions.
Engage
Teacher Activity
Begin the lesson by showing a world map highlighting U.S. territorial acquisitions between 1898 and 1920. Ask students what they notice about the locations and why these might be important.
Student Activity
Students observe the map and share initial thoughts about why the U.S. might want these territories and how this relates to becoming a world power.
Explanation
This activity activates prior knowledge and sets the context for understanding U.S. expansionism and its global impact.
Examples
- Students recognize the strategic locations of the territories in the Pacific and Caribbean.
- Students suggest reasons such as military bases, trade routes, or influence over other countries.
Explore
Teacher Activity
Provide students with primary source excerpts and images related to the Spanish-American War, Alfred Thayer Mahan, Theodore Roosevelt, and Sanford B. Dole. Facilitate small group discussions to analyze these sources.
Student Activity
Students work in groups to read and interpret the sources, discussing how each individual or event contributed to U.S. expansionism and world power status.
Explanation
Analyzing primary sources helps students understand historical perspectives and the motivations behind U.S. policies and actions.
Examples
- Students identify Mahan's emphasis on naval strength.
- Students note Roosevelt's leadership in military and diplomatic expansion.
- Students recognize Dole's influence in Hawaii's annexation.
- Students understand the war's role in acquiring new territories.
Explain
Teacher Activity
Directly teach the key concepts, connecting the primary sources and student discussions to the broader theme of U.S. emergence as a world power. Use a timeline to illustrate events and acquisitions.
Student Activity
Students take notes and ask questions to clarify how events and individuals contributed to U.S. expansion and power.
Explanation
This phase consolidates understanding by linking evidence to historical outcomes and policies.
Examples
- Students articulate connections between events and U.S. global influence.
- Students explain the strategic importance of naval power and territorial acquisitions.
Elaborate
Teacher Activity
Assign students to create a timeline or chart that connects significant events, policies, and individuals to the emergence of the U.S. as a world power. Encourage them to include explanations for each entry.
Student Activity
Students create visual representations that organize and explain the relationships among the Spanish-American War, expansionism, key figures, and territorial acquisitions.
Explanation
This activity deepens understanding by requiring students to synthesize information and demonstrate causal relationships.
Examples
- Students produce timelines or charts showing clear links between events, policies, and individuals.
- Students provide explanations that reflect understanding of U.S. expansionism.
Evaluate
Teacher Activity
Use an exit ticket asking students to explain in their own words why the Spanish-American War and U.S. expansionism moved the United States into the position of a world power, including the roles of Mahan, Roosevelt, and Dole.
Student Activity
Students write a brief explanation summarizing the lesson's key points.
Explanation
This assessment checks for student understanding of the lesson objectives and their ability to synthesize information.
Examples
- Students demonstrate understanding of the causes and effects of U.S. expansionism.
- Students identify key individuals and their roles in U.S. emergence as a world power.
Classroom Activity
Students work in groups to read and interpret the sources, discussing how each individual or event contributed to U.S. expansionism and world power status.
Guided Practice
Guided Practice 1
Prompt
What war helped the United States gain territories like Puerto Rico and Guam?
Teacher Answer Guide
The Spanish-American War helped the United States gain territories like Puerto Rico and Guam.
Guided Practice 2
Prompt
Name two territories the United States acquired as a result of expansionism after 1898.
Teacher Answer Guide
Two territories acquired were Hawaii and the Philippines.
Guided Practice 3
Prompt
Explain how Theodore Roosevelt's policies supported the United States becoming a world power.
Teacher Answer Guide
Theodore Roosevelt supported building a strong navy, demonstrated by the Great White Fleet, and helped build the Panama Canal, which increased U.S. military and economic power globally.
Guided Practice 4
Prompt
Analyze how Sanford B. Dole's actions in Hawaii influenced U.S. expansionism.
Teacher Answer Guide
Sanford B. Dole led the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and established a government that favored U.S. annexation, which gave the U.S. a strategic naval base and expanded its influence in the Pacific.
Guided Practice 5
Prompt
Evaluate the impact of Alfred Thayer Mahan's ideas on U.S. foreign policy and territorial acquisitions between 1898 and 1920.
Teacher Answer Guide
Mahan's emphasis on naval power influenced U.S. foreign policy to prioritize building a strong navy and acquiring overseas bases, leading to territorial acquisitions like Guam and the Philippines, which were crucial for projecting U.S. power globally.
Independent Practice
- Foundational: What war helped the United States gain territories like Puerto Rico and Guam?
- Developing: Name two territories the United States acquired as a result of expansionism after 1898.
- Application: Explain how Theodore Roosevelt's policies supported the United States becoming a world power.
- Analysis: Analyze how Sanford B. Dole's actions in Hawaii influenced U.S. expansionism.
- Challenge: Evaluate the impact of Alfred Thayer Mahan's ideas on U.S. foreign policy and territorial acquisitions between 1898 and 1920.
Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key
- 1. The Spanish-American War helped the United States gain territories like Puerto Rico and Guam.
- 2. Two territories acquired were Hawaii and the Philippines.
- 3. Theodore Roosevelt supported building a strong navy, demonstrated by the Great White Fleet, and helped build the Panama Canal, which increased U.S. military and economic power globally.
- 4. Sanford B. Dole led the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and established a government that favored U.S. annexation, which gave the U.S. a strategic naval base and expanded its influence in the Pacific.
- 5. Mahan's emphasis on naval power influenced U.S. foreign policy to prioritize building a strong navy and acquiring overseas bases, leading to territorial acquisitions like Guam and the Philippines, which were crucial for projecting U.S. power globally.
Guiding Questions
- What events and policies helped the U.S. become a world power?
- How did Alfred Thayer Mahan's ideas influence U.S. naval strategy?
- What role did Theodore Roosevelt play in U.S. expansionism?
- Why was Sanford B. Dole important in the annexation of Hawaii?
- How did territorial acquisitions like Guam and the Philippines affect the U.S.?
Common Misconceptions
- The Spanish-American War was not just a small conflict; it significantly expanded U.S. territory and influence.
- U.S. expansionism was not only about economic gain but also about strategic military positioning and global power.
- Alfred Thayer Mahan was not a politician but a naval strategist whose ideas shaped U.S. policy.
- Theodore Roosevelt's role was more than domestic; he was a key figure in expanding U.S. influence abroad.
- Sanford B. Dole was not just a businessman but a political leader who influenced U.S. annexation of Hawaii.
Differentiation
Support and Intervention
Provide students with simplified timelines and maps to help visualize territorial acquisitions. Use graphic organizers to connect individuals to events and policies. Offer sentence starters for writing explanations.
English-Language Learner Support
Use visuals and labeled maps to support vocabulary understanding. Provide bilingual glossaries for key terms. Encourage peer discussions to practice new vocabulary.
Advanced and Extension
Assign additional primary sources for deeper analysis of Mahan's writings. Encourage students to compare U.S. expansionism with other world powers' imperialism. Have students research the long-term effects of U.S. acquisitions on the territories involved.
Assessment
- Ask students to explain how the Spanish-American War changed the U.S.'s global role.
- Have students identify key individuals and their contributions to U.S. expansionism.
- Use group discussions to assess understanding of territorial acquisitions.
- Write a brief explanation of why the United States became a world power between 1898 and 1920, including at least two key events or individuals.
- Create an essay or presentation evaluating the causes and effects of U.S. expansionism during this period.
Answer Guide
- What war helped the United States gain territories like Puerto Rico and Guam?
Answer: The Spanish-American War helped the United States gain territories like Puerto Rico and Guam. - Name two territories the United States acquired as a result of expansionism after 1898.
Answer: Two territories acquired were Hawaii and the Philippines. - Explain how Theodore Roosevelt's policies supported the United States becoming a world power.
Answer: Theodore Roosevelt supported building a strong navy, demonstrated by the Great White Fleet, and helped build the Panama Canal, which increased U.S. military and economic power globally. - Analyze how Sanford B. Dole's actions in Hawaii influenced U.S. expansionism.
Answer: Sanford B. Dole led the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and established a government that favored U.S. annexation, which gave the U.S. a strategic naval base and expanded its influence in the Pacific. - Evaluate the impact of Alfred Thayer Mahan's ideas on U.S. foreign policy and territorial acquisitions between 1898 and 1920.
Answer: Mahan's emphasis on naval power influenced U.S. foreign policy to prioritize building a strong navy and acquiring overseas bases, leading to territorial acquisitions like Guam and the Philippines, which were crucial for projecting U.S. power globally.
Real-Life Application
Encourage students to discuss with family members what it means for a country to be a world power and how historical events like the Spanish-American War shaped the United States' role in the world today.
Homework or Home Connection
- Encourage students to discuss with family members what it means for a country to be a world power and how historical events like the Spanish-American War shaped the United States' role in the world today.
Lesson Summary
This lesson examined how the Spanish-American War, U.S. expansionism, and key individuals such as Alfred Thayer Mahan, Theodore Roosevelt, and Sanford B. Dole contributed to the United States becoming a world power between 1898 and 1920. Students explored territorial acquisitions like Guam, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico, analyzed primary sources, and created timelines to understand the connections among events, policies, and people. The lesson emphasized the strategic, military, and political factors that propelled the U.S. onto the global stage.
Teacher Notes
Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.