Learn on PengiIMPACT California Social Studies, Grade 8Chapter 18: The Industrial Age

Lesson 5: Becoming a World Power

In this Grade 8 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies, students examine the causes and consequences of American imperialism in the late 1800s and early 1900s, including the debate between isolationism and empire-building. Students identify key territories the United States acquired during this era, such as Alaska and Hawaii, and analyze how the search for foreign markets, naval power, and ideological beliefs drove U.S. expansion. The lesson also explores opposing viewpoints, including the Anti-Imperialist League's arguments against using military force to gain territory.

Section 1

From Isolationism to Imperialism

Key Idea

For most of its early history, the United States followed a policy of isolationism. This meant the nation focused on its own affairs and tried to stay out of conflicts and political issues with other countries, especially those in Europe.

By the late 1800s, powerful new forces pushed America to look outward. Its booming factories needed new markets to sell their goods and new sources for raw materials. Seeing European powers build global empires, many American leaders felt the U.S. must compete to be a true world power.

Section 2

America Reaches Across the Pacific

Key Idea

The United States began expanding its influence across the Pacific Ocean. In 1867, the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia, a move that many at first criticized. Later, American business leaders in Hawaii overthrew the monarchy. This action led the U.S. to annex the islands in 1898 for their valuable resources and strategic location.

To secure its economic interests in Asia, the U.S. also looked to China. Fearing that European powers would block American trade, the government proposed the Open Door Policy. This policy aimed to give all nations equal trading rights in China, ensuring the U.S. would not be shut out of this large market.

Section 3

The Spanish-American War: A Turning Point

Key Idea

In the late 1890s, many Americans were outraged by Spain’s harsh rule over neighboring Cuba. Newspapers used yellow journalism, publishing sensational and often exaggerated stories of Spanish cruelty that fueled public anger. After the mysterious explosion of the American battleship USS Maine in Havana’s harbor, the United States declared war on Spain.

The war quickly expanded from Cuba to the Philippines, another Spanish colony across the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. Navy's swift victory there revealed America's ambition to become a global power. This short war was a major turning point, leaving the United States in control of new overseas territories and establishing its new role on the world stage.

Section 4

The U.S. Gains an Overseas Empire

Key Idea

After its victory, the United States gained new lands. The U.S. acquired Puerto Rico and Guam as territories and purchased the Philippines from Spain. This expansion meant America now governed overseas populations for the first time, sparking a debate about its new role.

Cuba was granted independence, but with limits. The Platt Amendment gave the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuban affairs. This policy effectively made Cuba a protectorate, a country whose affairs are partially controlled by a stronger power.

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

Expand

Section 1

From Isolationism to Imperialism

Key Idea

For most of its early history, the United States followed a policy of isolationism. This meant the nation focused on its own affairs and tried to stay out of conflicts and political issues with other countries, especially those in Europe.

By the late 1800s, powerful new forces pushed America to look outward. Its booming factories needed new markets to sell their goods and new sources for raw materials. Seeing European powers build global empires, many American leaders felt the U.S. must compete to be a true world power.

Section 2

America Reaches Across the Pacific

Key Idea

The United States began expanding its influence across the Pacific Ocean. In 1867, the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia, a move that many at first criticized. Later, American business leaders in Hawaii overthrew the monarchy. This action led the U.S. to annex the islands in 1898 for their valuable resources and strategic location.

To secure its economic interests in Asia, the U.S. also looked to China. Fearing that European powers would block American trade, the government proposed the Open Door Policy. This policy aimed to give all nations equal trading rights in China, ensuring the U.S. would not be shut out of this large market.

Section 3

The Spanish-American War: A Turning Point

Key Idea

In the late 1890s, many Americans were outraged by Spain’s harsh rule over neighboring Cuba. Newspapers used yellow journalism, publishing sensational and often exaggerated stories of Spanish cruelty that fueled public anger. After the mysterious explosion of the American battleship USS Maine in Havana’s harbor, the United States declared war on Spain.

The war quickly expanded from Cuba to the Philippines, another Spanish colony across the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. Navy's swift victory there revealed America's ambition to become a global power. This short war was a major turning point, leaving the United States in control of new overseas territories and establishing its new role on the world stage.

Section 4

The U.S. Gains an Overseas Empire

Key Idea

After its victory, the United States gained new lands. The U.S. acquired Puerto Rico and Guam as territories and purchased the Philippines from Spain. This expansion meant America now governed overseas populations for the first time, sparking a debate about its new role.

Cuba was granted independence, but with limits. The Platt Amendment gave the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuban affairs. This policy effectively made Cuba a protectorate, a country whose affairs are partially controlled by a stronger power.