Annexation Debate

This week in 8th grade social studies, the students have been studying the outcome of the Spanish-American War.  After the war, the United States had acquired Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Philippines from Spain and had to decide what to do with them.  On Tuesday, the students had a debate about whether or not the United States should give the Philippines independence or annex them and make them a part of the U.S.  The students argued from several different points of view: members of the American government, American businessmen, Filipinos, and Anti-Imperialists.  The students did a great job arguing their points and connecting the content to prior knowledge.  Students in the inner circle debated orally while students in the outer circle shared their thoughts through a discussion on Schoology. Later this week, we will discuss the United States' growing role in Latin America.  The students will learn about the Panama Canal and the Mexican Revolution.  Students are also working on their Imperialism learning menu project. Students chose several different ways to demonstrate their knowledge about this unit.

Upcoming Dates:

-Imperialism learning menu due:  Tuesday, September 23
-Imperialism (chapter 22) test:      Wednesday, September 24

Questions for your 8th grader:

-What position did you defend in the debate?
-What menu items are you working on?
-What is your opinion about how the United States handled its acquisitions after the Spanish American War?

Philippines Annexation Debate