Exploring Imperialism: America Becomes a World Power.

Essential Questions (Political Cartoon Jigsaw)

Directions: Based on your groups assigned question prepare a brief discussion that incorporates the use of a political cartoon that deals with your topic.


1) What were the causes and consequences of the Spanish American War? Did the results of the war (particularly the acquisition of the Philippines) flow from the nature of the war, or were they unexpected?

2) How was American expansionism overseas similar to previous continental expansion westward, and how was it different?

3) Did Roosevelt more often “speak softly” or use the “big stick”? Was his approach to foreign policy aggressive or simply energetic

4) How did the Roosevelt Corollary distort the Monroe Doctrine? What were the consequences of the Roosevelt Corollary for American relations with Latin America?