Great Debates in American History

Should the United States Pursue a Foreign Policy of Isolationism or Interventionism?

Comprehension Questions

1. List the economic advantages of imperialism stated by Albert Beveridge.

2. Summarize the position of the Anti-Imperialist League regarding the actions of American military forces in the Philippines.

3. How does Beveridge respond to the argument that overseas colonies will be separated from mainland America?

4. What political actions is the Anti-Imperialist League planning to take?

Critical Thinking

1. Making Comparisons: How are Beveridge’s idealistic arguments different from the Anti-Imperialist League’s idealistic arguments?

2. Recognizing Bias: Locate two examples of Beveridge’s bias in favour of the American system of government

3. Drawing Conclusions: Which of the following people would probably have disagreed with the arguments of the Anti-Imperialist League in 1899? Why?
a) a citizen of the Philippines
b) a citizen of Cuba
c) a citizen of Great Britain

4. Testing Conclusions: Evaluate the arguments on both sides of the debate. Which side’s arguments are most effective and convincing? Use specific reasons and examples to support your positions.

5. Then and Now: Can the same arguments from the articles be applied to the debate on American foreign policy today? Why or why not?

Reflective Writing Assignment

1. Based on the readings and the movie Why we Fight, how has America’s foreign policy developed and changed throughout history? In your opinion, what should America’s foreign policy be in today’s world: isolationism or interventionism? Explain and justify your response. (approximately 150 words).

GREAT DEBATES IN AMERICAN HISTORY: RUBRIC

Criteria	Level 4	Level 3	Level 2	Level 1
Knowledge and Understanding	*all questions are answered correctly and accurately with precise detail, examples and specific references	*most questions are answered correctly with detail, examples and specific references	*some questions are answered correctly and accurately with some detail, examples and specific references	*very few questions are answered correctly with limited detail, examples and specific references
Thinking / Inquiry	*exceptional demonstration of critical thinking concerning the debate in American foreign policy in reflective writing assignment *reasons are supported with examples in a highly effective manner	*concrete critical thinking concerning the debate in American foreign policy in reflective writing assignment *reasons are supported with examples in an effective manner	*critical thinking concerning the debate in American foreign policy in reflective writing assignment is somewhat evident *there is little attempt to support ideas with concrete examples	*critical thinking concerning the debate in American foreign policy in reflective writing assignment is not evident *there is little to no attempt to support ideas with examples
Application	*ideas are original and sophisticated *Main ideas / reasons are thought provoking, original, and is developed in a sophisticated way	*Ideas are original and sophisticated ideas are well developed and clearly developed	*The idea are somewhat original but lack sophistication *argument is evident, and clearly developed at times	*the ideas lack originality and sophistication and ideas do not always evident or clearly developed
Communication	*Language is sophisticated and highly effective *Excellent development of ideas *Correct spelling, grammar and paragraphing *Transitions between sentences / paragraphs is skillfully handled	*Language is effective *Very good development of ideas *Few errors in spelling, grammar and paraphrasing *Transitions between sentences / paragraphs is used correctly	*Language is appropriate *little development of ideas *Some errors in paragraphing, spelling and grammar *Transitions between sentences / paragraphs is attempted	*language is misleading and or inappropriate *no development of ideas *numerous errors in spelling, grammar and paragraphing *many errors in spelling & or grammar *Transitions between sentences / paragraphs is used inconsistently, or absent