U.S. AGE OF IMPERIALISM

Primary SourcesPolitical Cartoons - Group Activity

and More!

Power point by Whitney Foehl

Why U.S. Imperialism?? The Six Ds….

 

Dollars: seeking new markets for trade and investment: enhance capitalism seeking economic activities or natural resources

Defense: to protect dollar interests / to defend the country / National Security military might / need for bases or stations to maintain control of region 

Democracy: spreading political ideals to countries with unstable governments  or oppressive regimes  In the name of freedom and liberty                                   

Darwinism (Social): survival of the fittest mentality applied to nations or races:  “stronger” nations dominate “weaker” Anglo-Saxon superiority /“advanced” cultures (white) “civilizing” primitive ones (brown)                                   

Destiny (Manifest): taking the concept of manifest destiny outside the borders of the U.S. Belief that it is our God given right to expand, spread democracy, and keep markets open for trade and profit 

Deity: spreading the word of God and Christianity / “Civilization” tied to Christianity Missions and Missionary work in foreign countries

Can you identify the Six Ds of Imperialism in McKinley’s decision to annex the Philippines??

Cartoon Groups:teacher provides the following format on worksheet for each student to complete in groupsTeacher can choose which cartoons, and how many, to include in the group activity depending on class size and amount of time.

#1 : Study the cartoon: Look at all words, signs, and symbols. Who is represented in the cartoon?______________________________________________________________ What is happening?__________________________________________________________________________

#2 : The Big Picture: What is the general message?__________________________________________________________________ How do you know that? (what signs, symbols, or labels help you to identify the message?) _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

#3 : Point of view: From whose point of view is the cartoon from?_____________________________________ Where might this have been published? __________________________________________ For what purpose? Is it FOR or AGAINST something? ____________________________________________________________________

#4 : Outside information: What people, places, events, ideas or concepts, vocabulary, policies, time frame, or 6 Ds come to mind or are related to this cartoon? Check your notebook if you need to. List these below:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

#5: Name the cartoon: With your group, think of a clever title for this cartoon:

_______________________________________________

Meanwhile....

....Ready for WWI?

The last two cartoons (following slides) are for the           teacher to present after the group work.

Ask students to analyze them and share ideas with class.

Afterwards, tell them that these cartoons were published after the US went into Iraq in 2003.

Discuss imperialism as a concept today…connecting themes of the past to current foreign policy.

Which of the 6 Ds do they think are most applicable to today?