Name: __________________________________
Date: ________________________
Timeline Activity
America Becoming a World Power
Directions: Work with one partner or by yourself!!!
1. Please place the events and their dates in chronological order on the timeline. Hence, the
idea of a timeline, events in order!!!
Event
George Washington’s Farewell Address “no permanent alliances”
Monroe Doctrine (with explanation)
Manifest Destiny (with explanation)
Opened trade with Japan
U.S. bought Alaska from Russia
Trade agreement with Hawaii
Spanish American War (Annex Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam)
Hawaii Annexed
Wake and American Samoa Annexed
Open Door Policy with China
Panama Canal finished by U.S.
Roosevelt Corollary (with explanation)
U.S. enters World War I
U.S. enters World War II
U.S. enters Korean War
U.S. enters Vietnam Conflict
U.S. enters Persian Gulf War
U.S. enters Iraq War
Date
1796
1823
1830-1850
1853
1867
1875
1898
1899
1899
1899
1904-1914
1904
1917-1918
1941-1945
1950-1953
1955-1975
1991
2003-present
2. Each timeline must include a title. The title must be centered on the paper and colored.
3. Use a ruler and place your timeline line in the center of the paper(s).
4. Place each year on the timeline 2 inches apart. (See model on board)
5. Place all events and dates on the timeline.
6. Write each phrase by its corresponding year(s) on the timeline.
(EX: 1917-1918 “U.S. enters World War I)
7. Pick 12 of the events on the timeline and draw 12 pictures that represent each one of
those events. The pictures must clearly represent the events chosen. NO STICK
FIGURES!!! BE CREATIVE!!! COLOR ALL PICTURES NEATLY!!!
8. Group Discussion: In a group, discuss how the United States gradually became a world
power from 1796 to the present day. Questions to discuss in your group include:
1. What did George Washington advise America to do concerning involvement in the world.
2. What did America do from 1823-1875 that involved the U.S. in the world?
3. Why did America think we were right in being involved in the world?
4. How did America get more directly involved in the world from 1898 to 2003? (What types
or international involvement are a majority of the interactions?)
5. Do you feel it is right that America become involved in most world situations because we
are a World Superpower? Explain.
6. Why do you think America involves itself in world affairs?
9. Individually: Write a response on a separate piece of paper with DETAILS!!! On the
following six questions. (Please number your responses and write at least a paragraph for each.)
1. Identify the following terms: Manifest Destiny, Monroe Doctrine, Roosevelt Corollary,
Imperialism, Anti-Imperialism
2. How is America different from the America that George Washington wanted?
3. How did we disagree with George Washington’s advice? (Provide specific examples from
the timeline)
4. Do you agree or disagree with America’s involvement in the world today? Explain.
5. What do you think America’s involvement in the World should be? Explain.
6. Do you feel America is more imperialistic or anti-imperialistic? Explain.