USA, 1776 to 1914: From Former Colony to World Power - Part 2
USA, 1776 to 1914: From Former Colony to World Power
This webquest is part of a set of two webquests exploring the rise of the United States from its proclamation in 1776 to it becoming a world power by 1914.
In this part of the webquest, you will investigate this question:
Why did the United States move away from its isolatonist foreign policy, and what areas did they focus their imperialism on?
The assignment below wil guide you through your work book pp. 39-43. (For those who didn't receive the copies, look for them on Teams).
Remember that when you click on a word, an explanation of this word will pop up on the right.
PART 2
Development of the United States as a World Power: American Foreign Policies in the 19th Century
Growing importance of the USA - Analysis of a cartoon.
Go to page 39 in your work book.
In the 19th century, the United States has been expanding and gaining more power with foreign nations. Some viewed expansion as a good thing but others did not want expansion.
The cartoon below reflects on this dilemma. Analyse it with the help of the thinklink below. Don't forget to take notes in your work book during the process.
How should you proceed?
1) you start by applying external criticism on the cartoon (click on the blue dots on the picture). For the explanation of external-internal criticism, check the copies you got at the beginning of the year. You may find those also with the button "Historical Criticism" on the bottom of this page.
2) you analyse the image (click on the green dots on the picture)
3) you answer the question: "Was the author in favour or against expansionism?" Of course, you will have to prove your point by referring to details in the picture.
Monroe Doctrine and Isolationism
As long as they were busy with the intracontinental expansion, the USA were not interested in overseas expansion. Their foreign policy was based on the Monroe doctrine, and was characterised by isolationism.
Look up in you glossary: Monroe Doctrine, and isolationism. Copy the explanation in your work book. Highlight the words as they are crucial, and will be often referred to in the next lessons.
Students often mix up "isolationism" and "protectionism". Can you explain the difference? You may look on the internet for help.
US Expansion in the Pacific
By expanding the United States from the East Coast to the Pacific, the project of Manifest Destiny was fulfilled. However, the United States continued to expand beyond the continent. At the end of the 19th century, its focus was mainly on the Pacific and on the Caribbean.
Causes of US Expansionism
The video below (appr. 5') will explain the causes of American expansionism at the end of the 19th century. There is space to take notes below the map. Write down (briefly) what the cultural, economic and military causes of US expansionism were. No need to write down the name of the persons that were mentioned.
Source: This video is an excerpt from The Age of Empire, Rise to Power (1890-1945), US History, published by the Khan Academy.
Do you find it hard to understand the voice? Then you may prefer to check out the video on YouTube (start from about 5:48). As you know, YouTube allows you to activate the subtitles, and read the transcript, which might be helpful. If you don't know how to do this, click on appropriate button at the bottom of this page.
Reach of US Imperialism in the Pacific
Analysis of a map
Have a closer look at the map on p. 40. Let the thinglink below guide you through it! You may turn this map to full screen by clicking on the mark at the bottom right corner.
Take notes (briefly). There is not sufficient space to write down very much about Japan. You may add this information on p. 43.
Analysis of Cartoon "Stepping Stones"
Let's move to the cartoon on p. 41: "Stepping Stones"<
"And, after all, the Philippines are only a stepping-stone to China, cartoon by Emil Flohri, published in Judge Magazine, 21 March 1900
Describe the cartoon, identify the characters. Pay attention to the interaction between the two figures! What is the author suggesting about their relationship? Who is likely to be gaining from it according to the cartoonist?
Considering this cartoon was published at the time of the American-Philippine War, what might have been the message the author wanted to convey? Do you think he favoured the war or not?
Having trouble working out the cartoon? Look for a explanation of the cartoon on internet! You may do this by either typing in the caption or by "search by image". The video below shows you how to do this. (Start by right clicking the picture to save it on your computer.)
Open Door Policywith respect to China
Analysing a Cartoon
Study the cartoon on the bottom of p. 41 in your work book.
"The Open Door", cartoon, c. 1900
Describe the action, and the actors playing a role in it.
Could you figure out what message the author would like to convey? Do you think the author is in favour or against expansion towards China? Refer to details in the cartoon!
You may watch this video that will guide you step by step through the cartoon (good tutorial for those who feel insecure with reading cartoons)
Towards US Domination in the Caribbean
By 1890, American firms were largely controling the economy of Latin America (neocolonialism).The USA was expanding its sphere of influence in the Caribbean as well, mainly to saveguard American economic interests, if necessary by force.
President Roosevelt changed US foreign policy, though the corollary to the Monroe doctrine. Look up the meaning of this text in your TEXT book. This new attitute is reflected in the cartoon below.
Could you explain, referring to details in the cartoon, what the task of the USA is, according to this cartoon?
start by identifying the figures in the cartoon, and their actions.
"The World's Constable", cartoon by Dalrymple, published in Judge Magazine, 1905
Extra: The Panama Canal
Congrats! You have finished the second part of this webquest. You may want to read it over in your text book, pp. 13-15, and p. 15 §3.2.
Don't hesitate to put your questions about this chapter on the team chat, to ask the advice of your colleagues would anything remain unclear.
