Unit 5: Changes in US Foreign Policy, 1900-1918 Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Unit 5: Changes in US Foreign Policy, 1900-1918Tuesday, January 8, 2013 Aim: How did perspectives on foreign policy differ at the turn of the 20th century?

The Business • Agenda: • Do Now(10) • Business: Intro Unit (5) • Four Corners (10) • Mini summit (35) • Reflection (10) Homework: -Textbook reading and notes The causes and results of the Spanish American War

Unit Intro • What role should America take in the global community?

Agree/Disagree Demo • I will read a quote from the board. • When I say to do so, quietly move to a corner of the room. You have 10 seconds to make your decision. • When we are divided, I will ask for three volunteers. One to explain why they agree or disagree, one to explain whether the quote illustrates and idealistic or realistic point of view, and a final person to explain whether the quote illustrates and imperialist or isolationist perspective. • You may only speak once during the demo, so make it good! Everyone speaks once!

Model • If America has the power to become the richest nation in the world, it should do everything possible to do so. • Why? • Idealist or realist? • Imperialist or isolationist?

You try • America has a responsibility to help other countries in need, like Japan after the earthquake and tsunami. • Why? • Idealist or realist? • Imperialist or isolationist?

You try • Americans should be willing to die, and kill to protect people’s right to democracy, as they did and are doing in Afghanistan. • Why? • Idealist or realist? • Imperialist or isolationist?

You try • America should be able to interfere in the business of other countries if we believe they need our input. • Why? • Idealist or realist? • Imperialist or isolationist?

You try • America should never go to war because killing people is just morally wrong. • Why? • Idealist or realist? • Imperialist or isolationist?

Demonstration Reflection

Mini Summit • A “summit” is when world leaders come together to discuss ideas and decision that could have a global impact. • Today, you will be representing some important thinkers of the early 20th century, in order to answer the question- What should America’s role be throughout the world?

Classwork: Read the attached text. For each speaker, decide what viewpoint they come from; are they a realist, or an idealist? And are they imperialist, interventionist or isolationist? • Many Americans saw imperialism as fundamentally un-American. They wondered how the United States could spread its democratic ideals abroad if it did not respect the rights of other nations. Anti-imperialist politician and reformer Carl Schurz acknowledged that the nation should defend its interests. But he also believed that the US foreign policy should promote peace, not conquest: • In its dealings with other nations, the US should have scrupulous regard, not only for the rights of others, but also for their self-respect. With all its resources for war, it should be the great peace power of the world. It should seek to influence mankind not by heavy artillery, but by good example and wise counsel (advice). The US should see its highest glory not in the battles won, but in wars prevented. -Carl Schurz, from a speech to the New York Chamber of Commerce, 1896

The Summit • You will have 10 minutes to read your person’s ideas and record your responses on your paper • Then, you will move seats, (bring your binders) so that you are sitting in a group of four. • Each person will have 2 minutes to share their thoughts on American foreign policy. • Other group members will record that info in their charts. • Once each person has shared, the group will have a final two minutes to come to a consensus as to who they think has the best ideas about what the US’ foreign policy should be.

Closing: Do you think presidents should base their foreign policy decisions on realism, or idealism? Why do you think so?

Unit 5: Changes in US Foreign Policy, 1900-1918 Tuesday, January 8, 2013