American Studies II
Performance Assessment #1
Imperialism: The advancement or subjugation of a nation?
Imperialism is defined as the policy of extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force. Throughout the late 19th Century, many nations began to expand their empires for a variety of reasons. Many claimed that their intensions were strictly humanitarian, but as many historians look back on this era, it is clear that there were economic and military factors at play. Not all supported imperialism; Anti-Imperialists believed that the conquest of smaller nations went against the moral fabric of the United States, a nation founded on freedom.
In this performance task, you must develop an argument on imperialism and defend your stance using material from class and outside material of your choosing.
Paper:
· First, you must pick a side. Are you pro-imperialism or anti-imperialism?
· After you pick a side, brainstorm some ideas and take notes with the goal in mind of creating a thesis statement
· Your Performance Task must be in MLA format, five paragraphs, double-spaced, typed, and 12-point Times New Roman
o Paper set up
§ Paragraph 1 – introduction (thesis statement)
§ Paragraph 2 – Argument 1 (pick an argument to support your thesis…use evidence!!!)
§ Paragraph 3 – Argument 2 (pick an argument to support your thesis…use evidence!!!)
§ Paragraph 4 – Counterargument (Make sure you include a counterargument, remember you must always give credit to and disprove the opposing side)
§ Paragraph 5 – Conclusion (restate thesis, hammer home ideas)
· You must have internal citations and a citation page (Use evidence from class, but also outside sources as well)
GOOD LUCK! REMEMBER TO FORM A SOLID ARGUMENT AND STICK WITH IT! THIS IS YOUR PAPER, SO SUPPORT IT WITH EVIDENCE!
Due Date: Friday, October 7th