Great Debates in American History
Should the United States Pursue a Foreign
Policy of Isolationism or Interventionism?
Comprehension Questions
1. List the economic advantages of imperialism stated by Albert Beveridge.
2. Summarize the position of the Anti-Imperialist League regarding the actions of American
military forces in the Philippines.
3. How does Beveridge respond to the argument that overseas colonies will be separated
from mainland America?
4. What political actions is the Anti-Imperialist League planning to take?
Critical Thinking
1. Making Comparisons: How are Beveridge’s idealistic arguments different from the
Anti-Imperialist League’s idealistic arguments?
2. Recognizing Bias: Locate two examples of Beveridge’s bias in favour of the American
system of government
3. Drawing Conclusions: Which of the following people would probably have disagreed
with the arguments of the Anti-Imperialist League in 1899? Why?
a) a citizen of the Philippines
b) a citizen of Cuba
c) a citizen of Great Britain
4. Testing Conclusions: Evaluate the arguments on both sides of the debate. Which side’s
arguments are most effective and convincing? Use specific reasons and examples to
support your positions.
5. Then and Now: Can the same arguments from the articles be applied to the debate on
American foreign policy today? Why or why not?
Reflective Writing Assignment
1. Based on the readings and the movie Why we Fight, how has America’s foreign policy
developed and changed throughout history? In your opinion, what should America’s
foreign policy be in today’s world: isolationism or interventionism? Explain and justify
your response. (approximately 150 words).
GREAT DEBATES IN AMERICAN HISTORY: RUBRIC
Criteria
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Knowledge and
Understanding
*all questions are
answered correctly and
accurately with precise
detail, examples and
specific references
*most questions are
answered correctly
with detail, examples
and specific references
*some questions are
answered correctly
and accurately with
some detail,
examples and
specific references
*very few questions are
answered correctly with
limited detail, examples
and specific references
Level 1
Thinking /
Inquiry
*exceptional
demonstration of
critical thinking
concerning the debate
in American foreign
policy in reflective
writing assignment
*reasons are supported
with examples in a
highly effective manner
*concrete critical
thinking concerning
the debate in
American foreign
policy in reflective
writing assignment
*reasons are supported
with examples in an
effective manner
*critical thinking
concerning the debate
in American foreign
policy in reflective
writing assignment is
somewhat evident
*there is little attempt
to support ideas with
concrete examples
*critical thinking
concerning the debate in
American foreign policy
in reflective writing
assignment is not evident
*there is little to no
attempt to support ideas
with examples
Application
*ideas are original and
sophisticated
*Main ideas / reasons
are thought provoking,
original, and is
developed in a
sophisticated way
*Ideas are original and
sophisticated
ideas are well
developed and clearly
developed
*The idea are
somewhat original
but lack
sophistication
*argument is evident,
and clearly developed
at times
*the ideas lack originality
and sophistication and
ideas do not always
evident or clearly
developed
Communication
*Language is
sophisticated and
highly effective
*Excellent development
of ideas
*Correct spelling,
grammar and
paragraphing
*Transitions between
sentences / paragraphs
is skillfully handled
*Language is effective
*Very good
development of ideas
*Few errors in
spelling, grammar and
paraphrasing
*Transitions between
sentences / paragraphs
is used correctly
*Language is
appropriate
*little development
of ideas
*Some errors in
paragraphing,
spelling and grammar
*Transitions between
sentences /
paragraphs is
attempted
*language is misleading
and or inappropriate
*no development of ideas
*numerous errors in
spelling, grammar and
paragraphing
*many errors in spelling &
or grammar
*Transitions between
sentences / paragraphs is
used inconsistently, or
absent