Suggested Skeleton Outline for American
Imperialism DBQ
What role did imperialism play in the shaping of American foreign policy in the late 19 th and early 20th
centuries?
I.
II.
III.
Introduction
A.
Background. Describe the general historical circumstances related to the question
B.
Include a definition of “Imperialism”:
“A policy by a stronger nation to attempt to create an empire by dominating weaker
nations economically, politically, culturally, or militarily.”
C.
Include a thesis Statement (answer the question):
“Imperialism played a _________________role in the shaping of American foreign
policy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries”
Body Paragraph I (Economics)
A.
Topic Sentence: America attempted [or did not attempt] to create an empire by
dominating weaker nations economically.
B.
Evidence from one of the documents provided.
C.
Related outside evidence.
Body Paragraph II (Politics)
A.
Topic Sentence: America attempted [or did not attempt] to create an empire by
dominating weaker nations politically.
B.
Evidence from one of the documents provided.
C.
Related outside evidence.
IV.
V.
VI.
Body Paragraph III (Culture)
A.
Topic Sentence: America attempted [or did not attempt] to create an empire by
dominating weaker nations culturally.
B.
Evidence from one of the documents provided.
C.
Related outside evidence.
Body Paragraph IV (Military)
A.
Topic Sentence: America attempted [or did not attempt] to create an empire by
dominating weaker nations militarily.
B.
Evidence from one of the documents provided.
C.
Related outside evidence.
Conclusion
Summarize, extend, apply, or evaluate.