Chapter 27: The Age of Imperialism "Imperialists and Anti-Imperialists"

Introduction
Students have read about the explosion of the Maine and how that event was used to rally support for a war against Spain. They have also learned that victory over Spain gave the United States territorial gains that made it an imperialist power.

Lesson Description
Students will go to the Imperialists and Anti-Imperialists Web site. They will then answer four questions about what they have read.

Instructional Objectives
1. Students will learn more about the debate between imperialists and anti-imperialists over the Spanish-American War.
2. Students will be able to evaluate the motives behind the arguments of both sides.

Student Web Activity Answers
1. Imperialists wanted to annex the newly occupied countries, while anti-imperialists did not want to annex any lands that were not in North America.
2. He included in the war bill a promise that the United States would not annex Cuba.
3. It was not successful because it failed to prevent the establishment of an American military government in Cuba. It also failed to protect the independence of other territories claimed during the war.
4. Students' answers will vary but should take into account that even on the anti-imperialist side there were many who believed that Euro-American civilization should dominate the world; they disagreed only on how that goal should be accomplished.

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