CBA STORYBOARD SUMMARY
This is a sample storyboard for the topic Purchase of Alaska. Use this as a guide to help you fill in the storyboard for your
topic.
POSITION: CRITERION A
States a position on chosen foreign
policy’s effectiveness that outlines
reasons in support of the position.
Draws a conclusion about why studying
this foreign policy helps us to
understand current issues & events.
REASONS/EVIDENCE:
CRITERION B
PORTION OF SCRIPT THAT ADDRESS THIS CRITEREON
Criterion A1: State position (was this U.S. foreign policy successful) and reasons
why?
Once upon a time the State of Alaska was owned by Imperial Russia. Russia had
explored Alaska and had developed a lucrative fur trade in the region. Because
Alaska was so far away from the Russian capital (13 time zones) and suffering a
defeat in the Crimean War, the Russians looked to sell this barren outpost.
(“Purchase …”) Enter the United States with an offer to purchase Alaska. The
purchase of Alaska in 1867 was a wise decision for our country. Alaska has
provided over the years land for our people. Also an abundance of natural
resources such as fish and crude oil, just to mention a few, have contributed to
making the United States a prosperous nation.
Criterion A2: Connection to understanding current issues & events today?
Today Alaska continues to be a source of natural resources and strategic value to
the United States. Our recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is often compared to
the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Much of our knowledge to combat oil spills comes
from that event.
Provides reasons for the position on chosen foreign policy supported by evidence.
Introduction: Describe what is the U.S. foreign policy for this scenario?
When William Seward, the Secretary of State at the time, was asked his greatest
achievement he told them Alaska, but it would not be apparent until a few
generations later. (“Seward’s…”) This early American imperialism was done
for several reasons. First the U.S. was interested in expansion outside the United
States. (“Treaty…”) Also the purchase was an attempt from keeping England our
commercial competitor in the Pacific from getting it. The purchase would also
end Russia’s claim to expansion in North America and provide the U.S. a place
for military bases. (“Day…”)
Provide evidence including an analysis
of why the policy was implemented for
national and/or international interests
from ONE social science perspective.
Criterion B1: Reason #1 why policy was implemented? Was this for national/
international interests? Which social study perspective is this?
The main reason for buying Alaska was for land expansion, to provide more land
for the people and make our nation bigger. Our nation’s geography would benefit
by having more land beyond our boundary. (“Treaty…”)
…from a SECOND social science
perspective.
Criterion B2: Reason #2 why policy was implemented? Was this for national/
international interests? Which social study perspective is this?
Both Russia and the U.S. did not want England moving into Alaska and causing
problems either. This international political reason would keep the balance of
power in North America. (“Purchase…)
…from a THIRD social science
perspective.
Criterion B3: Reason #3 why policy was implemented? Was this for national/
international interests? Which social study perspective is this?
Also Russia itself was trying to expand its fur trade operations further down the
Pacific coast into Canada and the United States. This could also upset the
international political situation. (“Purchase…”)
CAUSES/EFFECTS:
CRITERION C
The evidence includes and analysis of
the effects of the policy including a
discussion of how the policy affected
stakeholders in the United States.
The evidence includes an analysis of the
effects of the policy including a
discussion of how the policy imposed
costs and benefits for nations #1.
The evidence includes an analysis of the
effects of the policy including a
discussion of how the policy imposed
costs and benefits for nations #2.
CONCLUSION
Provides reason(s) for the position supported by evidence.
PORTION OF SCRIPT THAT ADDRESS THISCRITEREON
Criterion C1: How were stakeholders within the U.S. affected?
Fisherman in the U.S. benefited greatly and fishing in Alaska brings in more
profits than any other single state. At one time when salmon canneries had been
built the harvest was valued at over 51 million. (“Seward’s…”) Oil companies
have also prospered pumping millions of barrels a day from the Alaska oil fields.
Criterion C2/C3 #1: How was the first nation both positively and negatively
affected by this U.S. policy?
When Secretary of State Seward signed the treaty transferring Alaska from Russia
to the United States we lost $7.2 million dollars. His countryman did not share
Seward’s enthusiasm. Many Americans still preoccupied with Reconstruction
after the Civil War considered it a mistake by labeling the purchase as “Seward’s
Folly” or “Seward’s Icebox”. (Hart 251) Much of the benefits from the purchase
would come later for the United States. Shortly after the purchase gold was
discovered along the banks of the Klondike River causing a boom that would
transform the Alaskan wilderness. After the Russian Revolution Alaska became a
strategic spot in fighting the Cold War. (“Seward’s…”)
Criterion C2/3 #2: How was the second nation both positively and negatively
affected by this U.S. policy?
Although Russia gained the $7.2 million dollars for what the thought was an
economic wasteland, they also lost their toehold on the North American continent
and much international prestige. (Bailey 496) The Russians also lost out on the
mineral wealth that would be extracted from Alaska.
The purchase of Alaska was a wise decision. Secretary of State Seward’s critics
were wrong when they made fun by calling the purchase “Icebergia” or
“Walrussia”. (Bailey 496) Seward certainly got the last laugh.
Works Cited (Place on a SEPARATE PAGE)
Bailey, Thomas A., et al. American Pageant New York: Houghton Mifflin Company,
2002. Print.
Day, Frank. “Alaskan Purchase.” american-business.org. Web. 5 June 2010.
Hart Diane, et.al, History Alive! Perusing American Ideals, Teachers curriculum institute.
Palo Alto 2008
“The Purchase of Alaska.” 1867” state.gov. Web. 4 June 2010.
“Seward’s Folly, the Purchase of Alaska.” u-s-history.com. Web. 6 June 2010.
“Treaty with Russia for the Purchase of Alaska.” loc.gov. Web 4 June 2010