by LT Thrower, Sanderson High School

Introduction

Goal 6 Test:  American Imperialism 

This WebQuest is designed to assess students on their knowledge of imperialism in the late 1800s to early 1900s and compare and contrast positive and negative reasons for United States Imperialism. 

BACKGROUND FOR STUDENT BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

Starting in the late 1880s, Europeans raced to gain control of other people and territories.  By the late nineteenth century, Europeans dominated almost the entire world - Africa, Asia, South America and the Pacific.  During this time period, most Americans were unconcerned with foreign affairs.  However, this situation slowly changed, as the United States began expanding its naval power.  Before to long, the United States territory expanded to include Hawaii, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the Panama Canal Zone.  It only took about six years for the U.S. to add these territories totaling just over 126,000 square miles! Europe may have begun the imperialistic process, but the United States was not far behind.  What initiated this imperialistic process in the U.S.?  By what means did the United States gain their empire?   Was it the manifest destiny of the U.S. to become a world power?  Do you agree or disagree with these policies?

Your test has two parts, worth 50% of your grade each: 

Part I.  USATESTPREP 15 question test.

Part II.  R.A.F.T. assignment using what you have learned about American imperialism and expansion during the turn of the 20th century.

When you are ready to begin and read your directions, click TASK on the left.