American Foreign Policy: 1890-1920

In this brief unit, we will study the transformation of America from a country that sought to spread its influence over the continent to one that sought to spread its influence over the world. Around 1900, America became a member of the “imperialist club” and joined Britain, France, and Germany in their drive to gain power by expanding abroad. How Americans think about our international role today has its roots situated in this turbulent period of change. The events under study happened approximately at the same time as events discussed in our last unit on the Gilded Age/Progressive Era, but the focus is now on foreign policy.

Just as occurred in industrial Europe, the United States grew into an economic giant during the late 19th century. As this took place, many Americans looked abroad for sources of raw materials and new markets in which to sell manufactured products. Economics was a primary motivator for the U.S. involvement in Latin America and Asia during this period. Social and political factors were also influential as various U.S. leaders sought to increase American prestige and power across the world. Eventually, as the United States pursued trade and profits abroad, it also became more involved in the world of international military conflicts. For the first time since the revolutionary period, the United States became involved in wars with European nations (the Spanish-American War & World War I). These U.S. foreign involvements of the early 20th century signaled a new era of American intervention overseas that has had repercussions into our modern times.

Essential Questions:

How and why did the U.S. become a world power?

How did Americans’ values and beliefs about other cultures shape their foreign policy?

How did American imperialism impact other countries?

What role should the U.S. play in the world today?

Monday / Wednesday / Friday
10/12
Read/Discuss A Different Mirror
HW:Finish questions for A Different Mirror (if not done in class) / 10/14
PSAT
No Classes / 10/16
Overview of Foreign Policy
Founding Values/Beliefs documents
Westward Expansion & Manifest Destiny
HW:
10/19
Staff Development Day
No School for Students 
HW: / 10/21
Pro/Anti Imperialism
Imperialism Case Studies
Progressive Presidents
HW: HW #1: Read/annotate Chapter 10 summaries as an overview and answer questions in note form. Define related key terms below using textbook. / 10/23 HW #1 Due
Spanish American War: Foner reading
Foreign Policy Spectrum
HW: HW #2: Read/annotate Chapter 11 summaries as an overview and answer questions in note form. Define related key terms below using textbook.
10/26 HW #2 Due
America in WWI
HW:Prepare for Quiz / 10/28
America in WWI
Analyze Just War Theory
Wrap Up Foreign Policy
HW:Prepare for Quiz / 10/30
Reading Quiz Foreign Policy
Great Migration Reading
HW: Finish Great Migration reading
Key Terms
  • Westward Expansion
  • Manifest Destiny
  • Monroe Doctrine
  • Assimilation
  • Imperialism & its causes
  • Reasons for and against imperialism
  • Hawaii
  • Spanish-American-Cuban War
  • Panama Canal
/
  • Teddy Roosevelt
  • Big Stick Policy (Roosevelt Corollary)
  • Neutrality
  • Lusitania
  • Zimmerman Note
  • Espionage & Sedition Acts
  • Great Migration
  • League of Nations