Writing Skills
TEK 29(G): The student will identify and
support with historical evidence a point
of view on a social studies issue or
event.
What question do you need to
answer?
• Prompt: From 1898 to 1914, did the US act
more as an internationalist nation, advancing
it’s own self- interest while protecting weaker
nations, or as an imperialist nation, advancing
its own self-interest while exploiting weaker
nations?
Step 1: Organized brainstorming
• Look back at each foreign policy country and
cartoon. Decide if the United States was
protecting this country or exploiting it.
• Cuba
• Hawaii
• Puerto Rico
• China
• Dominican Republic
• Mexico
• Panama
Step 2: Pick your topics
• Choose the three countries you want to write
about in your paragraph
Step 3: Write your thesis
• From the years 1898-1914, the United States
acted more like an __________________
country because….
• It was ___________ the nations of _______,
_______, and _______
• OR
• Even though it __________ the nation of
_______, it ________ the nation of _______.
Write your supporting details
• In _____________.....
• In ______________.....
• In ______________......
• Include specific key terms and support your
point of view (protecting/exploiting)
20 minutes
• Follow your rubric
• Raise your hand if you have a question
• No discussion at this time. Room should be
nearly silent (part of grade)
• This response will count as part of your
imperialism quiz grade.
• Turn in your response with you rubric stapled
to the front when time is up.
Foreign Policy Spectrum
Isolationism?
Collective Security?
Internationalism?
Imperialism?
President
McKinley
Lady Justice
President
McKinley
Sanford
Dole
(Business
Owners)
Pancho
Villa
(Mexico)
President
Wilson
(USA)
Critical Thinking Question:
• During the time period 1898 to 1914, the US increased
its influence in world affairs and emerged as a world
power. Historians have debated, however, whether
the United States acted as an internationalist nation,
advancing its own self interest while protecting
weaker nations, or if the United States acted as an
imperialist nation, advancing its own self interest at
the expense of weaker nations.
• Evaluate U.S. foreign policy from 1898 to 1914 to
determine where you stand in this historical debate.
Be sure to use at least THREE examples of U.S. foreign
policy in Asia or Central and South America.