Social Studies Assignment Sheet:
The United States Looks Overseas, 1853-1915
HW #20-1
Read pp. 680-685 Eyes on the Pacific
Key IDs: • isolationism • imperialism • “Seward’s Folly” • spheres of influence
• Open Door policy • Boxer Rebellion
1. Explain three reasons for the growth of U.S. imperialism during the late 1800s.
2. Why did American sugar planters stage a rebellion in Hawaii?
3. Why did U.S. Secretary of State, John Hay, want an “Open Door” Policy in China?
4. Re-read both: “Why It Matters” at the beginning of the section and “Looking Back and
Ahead” at the end of the section. In your own words summarize the “story” you just read and
what you will learn next.
HW #20-2
Read pp. 688-694 The Spanish American War
Key IDs: • yellow journalism • U.S.S. Maine • Rough Riders • Theodore Roosevelt
1. Why were American businessmen motivated to intervene in Cuba?
2. How did yellow journalism play a part in American interest in Cuba’s conflict with Spain?
3. Who were the Rough Riders and how did they help America during the Spanish-American War?
4. Why were anti-imperialists upset with the results of the Spanish-American War?
5. Why were imperialists pleased with the results of the Spanish-American War?
6. Re-read both: “Why It Matters” at the beginning of the section and “Looking Back and
Ahead” at the end of the section. In your own words summarize the “story” you just read and
what you will learn next.
HW #20-3
Read pp. 693-697 The United States and Latin America
Key IDs: • isthmus • “gunboat diplomacy” • “Speak softly and carry a big stick…”
• Roosevelt Corollary
1. How did the Spanish American-War demonstrate the need to link the Atlantic and Pacific
Oceans?
2. How did President Roosevelt acquire the right to build the Panama Canal?
3. How did the Roosevelt Corollary expand American Power in the Western Hemisphere?
4. Study the cartoon on page 701.
a. What is the message of the cartoon? Use P.O.T.S (People, Objects, Text and Symbols)
to help you decode the cartoon.
b. What new title might you give this cartoon? Explain your answer.
5. Re-read both: “Why It Matters” at the beginning of the section and “Looking Back and
Ahead” at the end of the section. In your own words summarize the “story” you just read and
what you will learn next.
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