Social Studies - United States History II
Lesson Plans

U.S. II Strand 3: AMERICA ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

(Ca. 1890-1920)

By the end of the 19th century, global and domestic events led the U.S. to reconsider the advantages of isolation versus intervention in world affairs. The U.S. increased its role in the world and became enmeshed in global conflicts. Decisions related to isolationism and interventionism continue to be made today.

Possible Guiding Questions to Consider:

• How does the U.S. decide when and why to intervene in world affairs?
• What were the arguments made for the United States' expansion into territories?
• What cases can be made for isolationism and interventionism?
• What are some examples of unintended consequences that result from each?
• How did the cultural diversity of the U.S. change during this era?
• How did America's involvement in World War I change American history?

U.S. II Standard 3.2:

Students will examine and evaluate the role of the media and propaganda in promoting involvement in foreign affairs, using events such as the Spanish American War and World War I.

• How the US Government Used Propaganda to Sell Americans on World War I
  This video provides an overview of why the U.S. entered into World War I.
• The Spanish-American War
  This video provides an overview of the reasons that the U.S. went to war with Spain in 1898.
• World War I: Homefront
  World War I led to many changes at home for the United States. As international migration slowed considerably, the availability of wartime factory jobs led half a million African Americans to leave the South and move to northern and western cities for work. But the US government also stifled dissent during World War I with restrictions on freedom of speech and antiwar protest.

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