American History Writing Assignment

WRITING ASSIGNMENT # : American Imperialism

In the late nineteenth century, the United States showed a heightened interest in establishing an overseas empire. The example of European nations and Japan, which were seizing colonies in Asia and Africa, stimulated this expansionism. As a result, America's territorial boundaries will extend beyond its borders, and its territory will include colonial possessions.

INSTRUCTIONS:

In order to prepare you must complete the following readings:

Review and identify the sections of Chapter 21 that address the topics that are relevant to this essay.

Read the linked articles and use at least one of them for your essay to support your discussion:

Henry Cabot Lodge on expansionism

New York Herald Tribune on the War and yellow press

De Lôme Letter transcript

Platt Amendment 1903 transcript

Identify and incorporate at least one additional outside source to support your discussion. In addition to the textbook, you may use any material outside of the textbook that is recommended in the Additional Reading section at the end of each chapter. You are also encouraged to do your own research and identify relevant sources. Please keep in mind that WIKIPEDIA is not an acceptable reference.

PREPARE AND SUBMIT:

Write a well-organized essay, a minimum of 700 words (but not limited to), including supporting details from the documents/textbook/other sources, in which you analyze the assigned readings and address the following question:

Discuss the economic, strategic and ideological factors that contributed to American interest in overseas expansion in the latter part of the nineteenth century, and how the U. S. achieved this expansion. As part of your analysis and discussion identify the arguments of both critics and supporters of imperialism, evaluating and explaining who had the stronger arguments.