1. DBQ Powerpoint II
Compare the process profiled here with how you went about responding to the prompt on U.S. expansionism.

2. Three Areas to Work on
Developing a clear, concise thesis that addresses the whole prompt (and gives a purpose to comparing the perspectives)
Appropriately incorporating document and background evidence with commentary
Developing a conclusion that extends the thesis

3. Read & Understand the Prompt
Compare and contrast views of United States overseas expansion in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Evaluate how understandings of national identity, at the time, shaped these views.
Compare & Contrast [develop topics to compare & contrast]
Effects on Americans/America, Effects on those being colonized
OR anti-imperialist, imperialist
OR consistent with national identity, inconsistent w/identity, established new identity
Address “national identity”—American exceptionalism, “City on a hill”, benevolent imperials

4. Brainstorm Background info
Consider terms and concepts from readings and term sheets
For this DBQ: Reasons for imperialism
-spread democracy, foreign markets, spread Christianity, protect formerly colonized peoples
Reasons against
Oppression of indigenous people
Lack of self-determination for native people
Resources going to other places rather than America (Progressives)
Counter to American ideals
Other possibly relevant material:
Philippines, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Panama, China, Mexico
Moral Diplomacy, Dollar Diplomacy
Boxer Rebellion, sphere of Influence, Monroe Doctrine, Roosevelt Corollary, Manifest Destiny
Push-pull factors like markets, resources, military necessity
People…Aguinaldo, Pancho Villa, etc.

5. Develop Thesis Samples…
Relevant thesis develops ALL parts of the question in an original way.
Samples…
U.S. overseas expansion was seen as imperialistic by some yet other Americans viewed the practice as a necessary evolution of the American identity from an insular self-sufficient nation to one taking a leading role in the world.
Whether Americans supported or opposed overseas expansion, they used American exceptionalism to justify the policy.
**Be sure you define the “national identity” you are referring to.

6. Outline Topic Areas
Option I: 1) for imperialism 2) against imperialism
Option 2: 1) argument based on founding principles
2) argument based on economic necessity
Option 3: 1) Perspective: expansion would enhance national identity
2) Perspective: expansion is consistent with national identity
3) Perspective: expansion compromises national identity

7. Discussing and Analyzing document Evidence
Be sure you address elements such as perspective, context, bias, audience and/or purpose with each document.
Use connecting sentences to show the relationship among documents.
Each paragraph should have a comprehensive topic sentence and evidence should be tied to the central topic
Read sample incorporation of evidence

8. Document 1: [For] Connection to thesis?
Perspective: African-American editor of newspaper
Audience: probably African-American (Colored American)
Context: During Spanish-American War (1898)
Inference—African-Americans were motivated to participate in Spanish American war and other imperialistic acts because they believed that their efforts would further their cause toward realizing equal rights.
Connection to thesis?

9. Document 4 [Against]
Relevant Background Info: Progressivism, settlement houses, Yellow Journalism, Roosevelt’s Rough Riders
Perspective: social reformer, advocates particularly for women & children
Audience: voters, politicians, Americans
Context: 1899, after the conclusion of the Spanish American War
Inferences: 1) Beware of the glorification of war as it clouds our moral compass
2) We compromise our democratic ideals when we choose military means

10. You Must Conclude Your Essay
Rubric: -“Thoughtfully modifies or extends thesis”
-”insightfully connects topic to other historical trends or circumstances”
-Don’t just repeat your thesis and/or argument
-Connect the focus of your essay to other historical trends or to events more recent than the context of the essay prompt
Possible Connections: 1) Manifest Destiny; 2) coming of WWI; 3) evolving national identity

11. Your Assignment
Using your essay and feedback, choose one of the following areas to revise and re-submit:
Background Info and Thesis: Revise the introduction and thesis, then list topics of the body paragraphs which should align with the thesis
Synthesis of Document & Background Evidence: Choose one paragraph to revise and demonstrate clear understanding of developing an argument point with evidence from both 1-2 documents and background info.
Conclusion: Re-write your conclusion with a clear transition from the focus of your essay to a future event or another historical trend.