Learn on PengiPengi Social Studies (Grade 8)Chapter 9: The Progressive Era and America as a World Power (1890–1917)

Lesson 3: The United States Becomes a World Power

In this Grade 8 Social Studies lesson from Chapter 9 of Pengi Social Studies, students analyze the causes and outcomes of the Spanish-American War, including how the United States acquired overseas territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Students also examine the construction and strategic importance of the Panama Canal as a turning point in American foreign policy and global influence between 1890 and 1917.

Section 1

The Spanish-American War

In 1898, tensions rose as Cubans fought for independence from Spain. American newspapers engaged in Yellow Journalism, printing sensationalized and exaggerated stories of Spanish cruelty to sell papers and stir up war fever. When the U.S. battleship USS Maine mysteriously exploded in Havana harbor, the press blamed Spain, and the U.S. declared war.

The war was brief and decisive. The United States Navy quickly destroyed the Spanish fleets in the Philippines and Cuba. This victory marked the end of the Spanish empire and the emergence of the United States as a major global military power.

Section 2

An Overseas Empire

The war's peace treaty sparked a fierce debate about American imperialism. The U.S. acquired former Spanish colonies, including Puerto Rico and Guam, and paid Spain $20 million for the Philippines.

For the first time, the United States controlled a vast overseas empire. This led to a brutal conflict in the Philippines, where Filipinos fought for the independence they thought the U.S. would grant them. The acquisition of these territories fundamentally changed America's role, requiring a strong two-ocean navy to defend its global interests.

Section 3

The Panama Canal

To connect its new Atlantic and Pacific naval fleets, the U.S. needed a shortcut. Under President Roosevelt, the U.S. took over the construction of the Panama Canal. This massive engineering project required cutting through jungles and mountains.

The greatest challenge was not just the digging, but disease. Thousands of workers died from malaria and yellow fever until doctors discovered that Mosquitoes carried the illness. By controlling the mosquito population and building a system of massive locks to lift ships over the mountains, the canal was completed in 1914, revolutionizing global trade and defense.

Lesson overview

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Section 1

The Spanish-American War

In 1898, tensions rose as Cubans fought for independence from Spain. American newspapers engaged in Yellow Journalism, printing sensationalized and exaggerated stories of Spanish cruelty to sell papers and stir up war fever. When the U.S. battleship USS Maine mysteriously exploded in Havana harbor, the press blamed Spain, and the U.S. declared war.

The war was brief and decisive. The United States Navy quickly destroyed the Spanish fleets in the Philippines and Cuba. This victory marked the end of the Spanish empire and the emergence of the United States as a major global military power.

Section 2

An Overseas Empire

The war's peace treaty sparked a fierce debate about American imperialism. The U.S. acquired former Spanish colonies, including Puerto Rico and Guam, and paid Spain $20 million for the Philippines.

For the first time, the United States controlled a vast overseas empire. This led to a brutal conflict in the Philippines, where Filipinos fought for the independence they thought the U.S. would grant them. The acquisition of these territories fundamentally changed America's role, requiring a strong two-ocean navy to defend its global interests.

Section 3

The Panama Canal

To connect its new Atlantic and Pacific naval fleets, the U.S. needed a shortcut. Under President Roosevelt, the U.S. took over the construction of the Panama Canal. This massive engineering project required cutting through jungles and mountains.

The greatest challenge was not just the digging, but disease. Thousands of workers died from malaria and yellow fever until doctors discovered that Mosquitoes carried the illness. By controlling the mosquito population and building a system of massive locks to lift ships over the mountains, the canal was completed in 1914, revolutionizing global trade and defense.