U.S. Foreign Policy Is

Like a…? This activity challenges you to create

two visual similes representing different

perspectives on U.S. foreign policy at

the turn of the twentieth century. You

will then present these similes to the

class.

Essential Questions

What considerations should go into the

development of foreign policy?

What responsibilities do people in power

have to those people who have less power?

Did America’s emergence as a world

power move it closer to or further from its

founding ideals?

Foreign Policy Priorities

Take the following Quia survey to rank

your foreign policy priorities:

Foreign Policy Priorities

Guidelines for Creating Visual

Similes

1. Assign each group member a role.

Three Member Groups

Four Member Groups

2. Read the handout that has information about U.S. foreign policy about your particular area of focus and hilight important information. Also consult your textbook for additional information.

Guidelines for Creating Visual

Similes

3. From the handout, your textbook and other sources, write down the three (or more) most important facts students should know about America’s foreign policy in your country or region from each perspective. Include key terms about your country or region.

Guidelines for Creating Visual

Similes 1/3

4. Using the facts above, brainstorm ideas for similes representing U.S. foreign policy on your country or region. One simile should represent U.S. foreign policy from the perspective of the United States, and one simile should represent the U.S. foreign policy from the perspective of a country or region.

Guidelines for Creating Visual

Similes 1/3

5. On a piece of looseleaf paper, quickly create a rough draft of both visual similes. Include aspects that reflect the three facts for each side.

Your similes should include

these elements On the top left-

hand side of the paper, write this statement: From the perspective of the United States, U.S. foreign policy on (fill in your country or region) was like a (fill in your simile).

On the top right

hand side of the

paper, write this

statement: From

the perspective

of (fill in your

country or

region), U.S.

foreign policy

was like a (fill in

your simile).

Your similes should include

these elements

Visual representations of each simile. Your visual should be bold, colorful, and detailed. You may use illustrations, magazine pictures, photos, or clip art. It should include symbols that reflect the most important facts about America’s foreign policy in that region.

Your similes should include

these elements

•Three sentences that detail the three most important facts for the American perspective. Three sentences that detail the three most important facts for the your region or country’s perspective.

Three Member Group-

Group Roles

All group members need to take on the role of researcher- Underlines or highlights key ideas on the handout. Acquired additional information about the U.S. foreign policy on the country or region from other sources.

Graphic Designer- Responsible for the overall look and organization of the visual. Leads discussion, takes notes, and contributes ideas during the brainstorming session.

Illustrator- Takes primary responsibility for enhancing the visual appeal of the similes.

Presenter-Takes primary responsibility for presenting the visual similes to the class.

Present the visual similes to the class.

Return to directions

Four Member Group-

Group Roles Researcher- Underlines or highlights key ideas on the handout.

Acquired additional information about the U.S. foreign policy on the country or region from other sources.

Graphic Designer- Responsible for the overall look and organization of the visual. Leads discussion, takes notes, and contributes ideas during the brainstorming session.

Illustrator- Takes primary responsibility for enhancing the visual appeal of the similes.

Presenter-Takes primary responsibility for presenting the visual similes to the class.

All: Present the visual similes to the class.

Return to directions

Creating Similes

From the U.S. Perspective

A good friend

A concerned parent

A business partner

A teacher

A best friend

An older sibling

A company boss

A role model

A loan officer

A home builder

From the (location’s) Perspective

A bully on the playground

A dog taking orders

A helpless child

A police officer

An overbearing boss

A teenager

A pirate stealing wealth

A robber

A prison guard

A puppeteer

A credit card company collecting debts

Wrap Up Discussion

Where on the foreign policy spectrum from “Isolationism” to “Imperialism” did U.S. foreign policy fall around the turn of the century?

What motivated U.S. leaders to be so active in the affairs of other countries during this era?

How did the people of other nations feel about U.S. interventions?

Did their feeling influence the behavior of U.S. leaders? Why or why not?

Are you proud or ashamed of U.S. foreign policy around the turn of the century?