Expansion and Imperialism
Unit description: Beginning in the second half of the 19th century, economic, political, and cultural factors contributed to a push for westward expansion and more aggressive United States foreign policy. In this unit, students will explore continued conflicts with Native Americans and the effect the Spanish-American war had on the rise of the United States as an imperial power. In addition, students will study Pacific trade and increased United States foreign interactions.
Standards
Standards: 1, 2, 3, 5; Themes: GEO, GOV, CIV, ECO
Essential Questions and Big Ideas
Big idea of the Unit: Economic, political, and cultural factors contributed to a push for westward expansion and more aggressive United States foreign policy.
How did the transcontinental railroad affect westward expansion?
- Continued westward expansion contributed to increased conflicts with Native Americans.
What are United States and New York policies that were imposed upon Native Americans?
- Examples of the policies imposed upon Native Americans from United States and New York State, were the displacement of Native Americans from traditional lands, creation of reservations, efforts to assimilate Native Americans through the creation of boarding schools, the Dawes Act, and the Indian Reorganization Act and the Native Americans’ various responses to these policies.
How did the outcomes of the Spanish-American War contribute to the shift to imperialism in United States foreign policy?
- The events and outcomes of the Spanish-American War contributed to the shift to imperialism in United States foreign policy.
What effect did the Roosevelt Corollary have on relationships between the United States and Latin American nations?
- The Roosevelt Corollary expanded the Monroe Doctrine and increased United States involvement in the affairs of Latin America. This led to resentment of the United States among many in Latin America.
Download the complete Grade 8 Social Studies Unit 3 framework to customize for your own planning.