US History · 11th Grade · Progressivism, World War I & the 1920s · Weeks 19-27

Spanish-American War & Imperialism

Examine the causes and consequences of the Spanish-American War and the emergence of American imperialism.

• Common Core State Standards
• C3: D2.His.1.9-12
• C3: D2.Geo.9.9-12

About This Topic

The Treaty of Versailles and the League covers the end of World War I and the failed attempt to build a lasting peace. This topic focuses on Woodrow Wilson's 'Fourteen Points' and his vision for a new world order based on self-determination and collective security. Students examine the intense political battle in the U.S. Senate over the ratification of the treaty and the reasons for the nation's eventual retreat into isolationism.

For 11th graders, this topic is essential for understanding the origins of 20th-century international relations and the structural flaws of the post-war peace. It highlights the tension between idealism and 'realpolitik.' Students grasp these complex diplomatic and political shifts faster through mock peace conferences and structured debates on the merits of the League of Nations.

Key Questions

1. Analyze the role of 'Yellow Journalism' and public opinion in sparking the Spanish-American War.
2. Explain the motivations behind American expansion into the Pacific and Caribbean.
3. Evaluate whether the United States betrayed its founding principles by acquiring overseas territories.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the economic, political, and social factors that contributed to the Spanish-American War.
• Explain the motivations behind the United States' acquisition of territories in the Pacific and Caribbean following the war.
• Evaluate the extent to which the acquisition of overseas territories conflicted with the principles of American democracy and self-governance.
• Compare the arguments for and against American imperialism in the late 19th century.

Before You Start

Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion

Why: Students need to understand the historical precedent of American territorial expansion and the underlying beliefs that justified it.

Causes of the Civil War

Why: Understanding the debates over states' rights and the expansion of American influence provides context for later debates about overseas territories.

Key Vocabulary

Yellow Journalism	A type of newspaper reporting that emphasizes sensationalism and exaggeration to attract readers, often influencing public opinion and political action.
Imperialism	A policy or ideology of extending a country's rule over foreign nations, often by military force or by gaining political and economic control.
Annexation	The act of acquiring territory and incorporating it into an existing country or state, often without the consent of the original inhabitants.
Anti-Imperialist League	An organization formed in the United States in 1898 to oppose American annexation of the Philippines and other islands after the Spanish-American War.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The U.S. Senate rejected the treaty because they were 'anti-peace.'

What to Teach Instead

The main concern was that Article X of the League Covenant would take away Congress's constitutional power to declare war. A 'constitutional check' activity helps students see the legal and sovereignty concerns of the Senate.

Common Misconception

Wilson's 14 Points were fully adopted in the final treaty.

What to Teach Instead

Most of the 14 Points were ignored by the other Allies, who were more interested in punishing Germany and gaining territory. Peer-led comparison of the 14 Points and the final treaty helps students see Wilson's diplomatic failure.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Paris Peace Conference

Students represent the 'Big Four' (U.S., Britain, France, Italy) and Germany. They must negotiate the terms of the treaty, realizing the conflict between Wilson's 'peace without victory' and the European desire for revenge and reparations.

90 min·Whole Class

Formal Debate: To Join the League?

Divide the class into 'Internationalists' (Wilson), 'Reservationists' (Lodge), and 'Irreconcilables.' They debate whether joining the League of Nations would protect peace or drag the U.S. into unnecessary foreign wars.

50 min·Whole Class

Think-Pair-Share: The Legacy of Versailles

Students read about the harsh terms imposed on Germany. They work in pairs to discuss how these terms might lead to future conflict, connecting the end of WWI to the rise of WWII.

30 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Journalists at major news outlets today still face ethical considerations regarding sensationalism versus objective reporting, a debate with roots in the Yellow Journalism era that fueled the Spanish-American War.
• The strategic importance of naval bases like Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, established after the Spanish-American War, continues to be a subject of international relations and political discussion.
• The debate over whether the US should intervene in foreign conflicts or focus on domestic issues echoes the arguments made during the age of American imperialism.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Was the Spanish-American War a necessary step in America's rise to global power, or a betrayal of its founding ideals?' Have students take sides and use specific historical evidence from the period to support their arguments.

Exit Ticket

Ask students to write a short paragraph explaining one cause of the Spanish-American War and one consequence of American imperialism, citing at least one key vocabulary term in their response.

Quick Check

Present students with three short primary source excerpts: one from a Yellow Journalist, one from an imperialist proponent, and one from an anti-imperialist. Ask students to identify which perspective each excerpt represents and explain their reasoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main goals of Wilson's Fourteen Points?

Wilson wanted to address the causes of the war through 'open covenants,' freedom of the seas, the removal of trade barriers, and the reduction of armaments. His most important point was the creation of a League of Nations to prevent future wars.

Why did the U.S. Senate reject the Treaty of Versailles?

The Senate, led by Henry Cabot Lodge, feared that joining the League of Nations would force the U.S. into foreign conflicts without the consent of Congress. They wanted 'reservations' to protect American sovereignty, which Wilson refused to accept.

How did the treaty punish Germany?

Germany was forced to accept full 'war guilt,' pay massive financial reparations, reduce its military to a tiny force, and give up significant territory in Europe and its overseas colonies.

How can active learning help students understand the Treaty of Versailles?

Active learning strategies like 'Peace Conference Simulations' help students see that diplomacy is a series of difficult compromises. By trying to balance the competing interests of different nations, they realize why the final treaty was so flawed. This hands-on approach makes the abstract concepts of 'collective security' and 'sovereignty' much more concrete and helps them understand why the U.S. chose isolationism in the 1920s.