U.S. Foreign Policy Is
Like a…?
This activity challenges you to create
two visual similes representing different
perspectives on U.S. foreign policy at
the turn of the twentieth century. You
will then present these similes to the
class.
Essential Questions
 What considerations should go into the
development of foreign policy?
 What responsibilities do people in power
have to those people who have less power?
 Did America’s emergence as a world
power move it closer to or further from its
founding ideals?
Foreign Policy Priorities
 Take the following Quia survey to rank
your foreign policy priorities:
Foreign Policy Priorities
Guidelines for Creating Visual
Similes
1. Assign each group member a
role.
 Three Member Groups
 Four Member Groups
2. Read the handout that has
information about U.S. foreign
policy about your particular area
of focus and hilight important
information. Also consult your
textbook for additional
information.
Guidelines for Creating Visual
Similes
3. From the handout, your textbook and other sources, write
down the three (or more) most important facts students
should know about America’s foreign policy in your country
or region from each perspective. Include key terms about
your country or region.
Guidelines for Creating Visual
Similes 1/3
4. Using the facts above, brainstorm ideas for similes
representing U.S. foreign policy on your country or region.
One simile should represent U.S. foreign policy from the
perspective of the United States, and one simile should
represent the U.S. foreign policy from the perspective of a
country or region.
Guidelines for Creating Visual
Similes 1/3
5. On a piece of looseleaf paper, quickly create a rough draft
of both visual similes. Include aspects that reflect the three
facts for each side.
Your similes should include
these elements
 On the top lefthand side of the
paper, write this
statement: From the
perspective of the
United States, U.S.
foreign policy on
(fill in your country
or region) was like
a (fill in your
simile).
 On the top right
hand side of the
paper, write this
statement: From
the perspective
of (fill in your
country or
region), U.S.
foreign policy
was like a (fill in
your simile).
Your similes should include
these elements
 Visual representations of
each simile. Your visual
should be bold, colorful,
and detailed. You may
use illustrations, magazine
pictures, photos, or clip
art. It should include
symbols that reflect the
most important facts about
America’s foreign policy
in that region.
Your similes should include
these elements
 •Three sentences that
detail the three most
important facts for the
American perspective.
Three sentences that detail
the three most important
facts for the your region or
country’s perspective.
Three Member GroupGroup Roles
 All group members need to take on the role of researcherUnderlines or highlights key ideas on the handout.
Acquired additional information about the U.S. foreign
policy on the country or region from other sources.
 Graphic Designer- Responsible for the overall look and
organization of the visual. Leads discussion, takes notes,
and contributes ideas during the brainstorming session.
 Illustrator- Takes primary responsibility for enhancing the
visual appeal of the similes.
 Presenter-Takes primary responsibility for presenting the
visual similes to the class.
 Present the visual similes to the class.
Return to directions
Four Member GroupGroup Roles
 Researcher- Underlines or highlights key ideas on the handout.
Acquired additional information about the U.S. foreign policy on
the country or region from other sources.
 Graphic Designer- Responsible for the overall look and
organization of the visual. Leads discussion, takes notes, and
contributes ideas during the brainstorming session.
 Illustrator- Takes primary responsibility for enhancing the visual
appeal of the similes.
 Presenter-Takes primary responsibility for presenting the visual
similes to the class.
 All: Present the visual similes to the class.
Return to directions
Creating Similes
 From the U.S.
Perspective
 From the (location’s)
Perspective
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A good friend
A concerned parent
A business partner
A teacher
A best friend
An older sibling
A company boss
A role model
A loan officer
A home builder
A bully on the playground
A dog taking orders
A helpless child
A police officer
An overbearing boss
A teenager
A pirate stealing wealth
A robber
A prison guard
A puppeteer
A credit card company
collecting debts
Wrap Up Discussion
 Where on the foreign policy spectrum from
“Isolationism” to “Imperialism” did U.S. foreign
policy fall around the turn of the century?
 What motivated U.S. leaders to be so active in
the affairs of other countries during this era?
 How did the people of other nations feel about
U.S. interventions?
 Did their feeling influence the behavior of U.S.
leaders? Why or why not?
 Are you proud or ashamed of U.S. foreign
policy around the turn of the century?