Cluster Standards

This cluster includes the following benchmarks.

Visit the specific benchmark webpage to find related instructional resources.

SS.912.A.4.1 : Analyze the major factors that drove United States imperialism.
SS.912.A.4.2 : Explain the motives of the United States acquisition of the territories.
SS.912.A.4.3 : Examine causes, course, and consequences of the Spanish American War.
SS.912.A.4.4 : Analyze the economic, military, and security motivations of the United States to complete the Panama Canal as well as major obstacles involved in its construction.
SS.912.A.4.5 : Examine causes, course, and consequences of United States involvement in World War I.
SS.912.A.4.6 : Examine how the United States government prepared the nation for war with war measures (i.e., Selective Service Act, War Industries Board, war bonds, Espionage Act, Sedition Act, Committee of Public Information).
SS.912.A.4.7 : Examine the impact of airplanes, battleships, new weaponry, and chemical warfare in creating new war strategies (e.g., trench warfare, convoys).
SS.912.A.4.8 : Compare the experiences Americans (i.e., African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, women, conscientious objectors) had while serving in Europe.
SS.912.A.4.9 : Compare how the war impacted European Americans, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Jewish Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, women, and dissenters in the United States.
SS.912.A.4.10 : Examine the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles and the failure of the United States to support the League of Nations.
SS.912.A.4.11 : Examine key events and peoples in Florida history as they relate to United States history.

Cluster Information

Number:

SS.912.A.4

Title:

Demonstrate an understanding of the changing role of the United States in world affairs through the end of World War I.

Type:

Standard

Subject:

Social Studies

Grade:

912

Strand

American History

Cluster Access Points

This cluster includes the following Access Points.

SS.912.A.4.AP.1 : Identify major factors that drove United States imperialism.
SS.912.A.4.AP.2 : Identify the purpose of the United States expanding into other territories.
SS.912.A.4.AP.3 : Identify a cause and consequence of the Spanish American War.
SS.912.A.4.AP.4 : Identify an economic, military, and security reason why the United States completed the Panama Canal and the challenges that were faced during its construction.
SS.912.A.4.AP.5 : Identify a cause and consequence of United States involvement in World War I.
SS.912.A.4.AP.6 : Identify ways the United States government prepared the nation for World War I, such as Selective Service Act, War Industries Board, war bonds, Espionage Act, Sedition Act, Committee of Public Information.
SS.912.A.4.AP.7 : Identify the impact of the development of airplanes, battleships, new weaponry, and chemical warfare in creating new war strategies (trench warfare, convoys).
SS.912.A.4.AP.8 : Identify experiences diverse American groups had while serving in Europe.
SS.912.A.4.AP.9 : Identify impacts of the war on German Americans, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Jewish Americans, Native Americans, women and dissenters in the United States.
SS.912.A.4.AP.10 : Identify a provision of the Treaty of Versailles and the failure of the United States to support the League of Nations.
SS.912.A.4.AP.11 : Identify a key event or person in Florida history related to United States history.

Cluster Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this topic.

Original Student Tutorials

War and Peace? Part 2 (of 2): In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn about the end of World War I and the Paris Peace Conference that followed, from the point of view of the United States and President Woodrow Wilson. You'll learn about the Treaty of Versailles that ended the war with Germany, about the League of Nations, and about Wilson's failure to make the U.S. a part of the newly created international organization.

CLICK HERE to open Part 1.
War and Peace? Part 1 (of 2): In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn about the end of World War I and the Paris Peace Conference that followed, from the point of view of the United States and President Woodrow Wilson. You'll learn about the Treaty of Versailles that ended the war with Germany, about the League of Nations, and about Wilson's failure to make the U.S. a part of the newly created international organization.

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.
The "Isolationist" 1920s: In this interactive tutorial, learn about a different side of the 1920s: the foreign and economic policies the U.S. pursued in the decade following World War I. You'll learn about the treaties and agreements the U.S. entered into during this time in an effort to produce a more peaceful and stable world, and you'll evaluate the extent to which the U.S. truly pursued "isolationist" policies during the 1920s.
Over Here: Americans at Home in World War I, Part 2 (of 2): In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how Americans on the home front experienced World War 1 while helping the U.S.A win the war. You'll learn about war bonds and about the changes WWI brought to America's economy. You'll also learn how propaganda and new laws against wartime dissent curbed Americans' civil liberties. Finally, you'll learn how the war lead to increased opportunities for women and African Americans.

CLICK HERE to open Part 1.
Over Here: Americans at Home in World War I, Part 1 (of 2): In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how Americans on the home front experienced World War 1 while helping the U.S.A win the war. You'll learn about war bonds and about the changes WWI brought to America's economy. You'll also learn how propaganda and new laws against wartime dissent curbed Americans' civil liberties. Finally, you'll learn how the war lead to increased opportunities for women and African Americans.

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.
Over There: Americans at War in World War I, Part 2 (of 2): In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn about the experiences of the Americans who served "over there" in Europe during World War I. Learn about doughboys, trench warfare, and some of the WWI veterans who would go to become famous Americans!

CLICK HERE to open Part 1.
Over There: Americans at War in World War I, Part 1 (of 2): In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn about the experiences of the Americans who served "over there" in Europe during World War I. Learn about doughboys, trench warfare, and some of the WWI veterans who would go to become famous Americans!

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.
America Joins the Great War: Part 2 (of 2): In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how World War I, "the Great War," began in Europe. You'll also learn why the U.S.A. joined the side of the Allies after years of attempted neutrality.

CLICK HERE for Part 1.
America Joins the Great War: Part 1 (of 2): In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how World War I, the "Great War," began in Europe. You'll also learn why the U.S.A. joined the side of the Allies after years of attempted neutrality.

CLICK HERE for Part 2.
Imperialism and the Spanish-American War: In this interactive tutorial, learn about imperialism and understand the four major factors that drove America's imperial mindset in the late 1800s. Then learn about the causes and consequences of the Spanish-American War and how the U.S.A. gained new territories as a result.
Territorial Behaviors: In this interactive tutorial, learn the history behind the different territories that belong to the United States, including those that have become states, like Alaska and Hawaii, and those that haven't, like Puerto Rico and American Samoa. You'll also learn about America's role in the construction of the Panama Canal and the Panama Canal Zone the U.S. controlled.

Assessment

Quiz: Imperialism : Test your knowledge of American imperialism and the Age of Empire with this 9-question multiple choice quiz!

Lesson Plans

Attack on Pearl Harbor: Students will learn about the causes and consequences of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This lesson will trace the failures of the Treaty of Versailles, its effect on international relations, the motives behind the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and how the United States responded through legislative action. The lesson includes a guided presentation, guided notes for students, built-in review questions to determine comprehension, and a formative assessment utilizing a primary source text.
Types of Propaganda: WWI: In this lesson plan, students will use the types of propaganda to help analyze WWI propaganda. Students will learn about the different types of propaganda and then apply those techniques to famous WWI propaganda posters.
Social Issues in America: Individual Rights vs. Common Good: In this lesson, students will use case studies to evaluate issues that cause the government to balance protecting individual rights with protecting the common good.
Preparation for War: In this lesson, students will review how the United States prepared the country to enter World War I and the effect of the entry into the war on American citizens' rights and liberties.
Over There: America Prepares for War:
This lesson will be part of the World War I unit. Students will analyze George M. Cohan’s song, “Over There” to evaluate how he used propaganda techniques to gather support for the nation’s entry into WWI. It will also demonstrate how one individual can influence public policy and how the song helped boost morale and prepare the people for war.
War and Words:
In this lesson plan, students will be placed into four groups. Each group will be tasked with becoming “experts” on one of the following topics: the Espionage Act of 1917, the Sedition Act of 1918, the Schenck v. United States (1919) Supreme Court ruling, and the Debs v. United States (1919) Supreme Court ruling. Using the jigsaw strategy, students will share their analyses and discuss and debate responses to the inquiry question: When, if ever, is the government justified in limiting individual rights?
Balancing Individual Rights with the Public Good During Wartime: In this lesson, students will develop a deeper understanding of how the U.S. government balances the rights of individuals with the public good. Students will learn about the Espionage Act and the Sedition Act and will research the Schenck v. U.S. case of 1919 to explain and evaluate the Court’s ruling in relation to these controversial laws.
Florida During the Spanish-American War of 1898: Structured Academic Debate on African-American Participation in the War: In this activity, students examine examples of newspaper editorials arguing both sides of this debate along with documents describing Floridian attitudes toward black soldiers. Using this evidence, students will explore ideas about the meaning of black participation in the Spanish-American War

Text Resource

American Exceptionalism, American Freedom: This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the Social Studies content area. It is most appropriate for 11th-12th grade students enrolled in a U.S. History class.

This article explores the origins - both in language and ideology - of the complicated concept "American Exceptionalism." The author explains the positive and negative implications of the idea and the impact American Exceptionalism has on our culture and politics today.

Tutorials

U.S. History Overview: Reconstruction to the Great Depression: Learn about key events in American history from the Reconstruction Era to the start of the Great Depression in this tutorial video provided by Khan Academy. The video touches on the Reconstruction Amendments, Jim Crow laws, the Coinage Act and the Panic of 1873, the Spanish-American War, World War I, and the 18th and 19th Amendments.
The Paris Peace Conference and the Treaty of Versailles: Learn about the Treaty of Versailles, which officially made peace with Germany and ended World War I, in this short video tutorial provided by Khan Academy. The treaty formed new alliances among countries and changed the map of Europe forever.
The U.S. Enters World War I: Learn how and why the United States joined the Allies of World War I in this short tutorial video provided by Khan Academy. Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram, and various other factors led President Woodrow Wilson to ask Congress for a war declaration.
The Age of Empire: Learn about the factors that drove United States imperialism and the acquisition of territories in this short video provided by Khan Academy. Helpful graphics illustrate the content.
Theodore Roosevelt and the Panama Canal: Learn how President Theodore Roosevelt spearheaded America's creation of the Panama Canal, the waterway that linked the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and revolutionized global transportation.
Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders: Learn how the future President Theodore Roosevelt rose to national fame by fighting fearlessly in the Spanish-American War with his all-volunteer cavalry division: The Rough Riders.
Theodore Roosevelt: Speak Softly & Carry a Big Stick: Learn about American imperialism and expansion in this short video that details the attitudes and philosophies of America's 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt.
60-Second Presidents: Woodrow Wilson: View this brief, funny video about the 28th President, Woodrow Wilson, commander-in-chief during World War I and its aftermath!
60-Second Presidents: William McKinley: View a brief, funny video about our 25th president, William McKinley, commander-in-chief during the Spanish-American War!
60-Second Presidents: Theodore Roosevelt: View a brief, funny video about our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, the progressive, trustbuster, and canal builder!
Crash Course U.S. History: America in World War I: In this tutorial video, you'll take a whirlwind journey through the events that led America from isolation to intervention in World War I. You'll learn how WWI affected Americans on the home front as well, increasing the size of the government and curtailing civil liberties. Enjoy this "crash course" in U.S. History!
Crash Course U.S. History: Progressive Presidents: In this tutorial video, you'll take a whirlwind journey through the Progressive Era. You'll specifically look at the domestic and foreign policies of 3 presidents: Theodore Roosevelt, William H. Taft, and Woodrow Wilson, all of whom had progressive ideas about how government should be operated. Enjoy this "crash course" in U.S. History!

Video/Audio/Animations

The Treaty of Versailles and Germany: Learn how Germany was punished by the Allies of World War I in this short video from Khan Academy. The infamous Treaty of Versailles is considered by some to be a root cause of World War II.
Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points: Analyze President Woodrow Wilson's plan for world peace in this tutorial video provided by Khan Academy. During a special joint session of Congress in 1918, President Wilson announced the Fourteen Points that would shape the peace negotiations that ended World War I.
World War I: Blockades, U-Boats, and the Sinking of the Lusitania : Learn about the events that drew the U.S. into World War I in this Khan Academy video. You'll learn about submarine warfare, naval blockades, the sinking of the ocean liner Lusitania, and President Woodrow Wilson's response to these events.
The Zimmermann Telegram: Learn about a World War I event in this Khan Academy video. The Zimmermann Telegram was an invitation from Germany to Mexico to declare war on the United States--an unsuccessful ploy by Germany to keep America out of the war in Europe.