Introduction
The year is 1898, and the United States has won the "splendid little" Spanish-American War. As a result, the U.S. finds itself in possession of the Philippines, a group of islands halfway across the world. The question now stands: should the United States annex the Philippines and embark on a new era of global power, or should it respect the Filipino desire for independence and self-determination?
You, the students, are cast as key figures and stakeholders in this critical moment of American history. Your mission is to explore the complex and often conflicting perspectives on the acquisition of the Philippines and make an informed recommendation to President William McKinley.
Students will be divided into small groups, each representing a different perspective. Roles include:
- One of President William McKinley's Cabinet Members: Weighing the benefits and consequences of annexation.
- Emilio Aguinaldo: Leading the fight for Filipino independence.
- Anti-Imperialist League Member: Opposing U.S. expansion on moral and political grounds.
- Business Leader: Interested in the economic opportunities annexation could bring.
- U.S. Soldier: Reflecting on the ethical and practical implications of occupying the Philippines.
Task
Task 1: Understanding the Context
- Explore the events leading up to the acquisition of the Philippines.
- Make a timeline that puts into order how the United States acquired the Philippines and how the Filipinos struggled for their independence
Task 2: Investigating Perspectives
- Dive into the viewpoints of the different stakeholders (each of you only does 1) involved in the decision to annex the Philippines.
- Write down at least 5 reasons that back your characters decision to annex or not to annex.
Task 3: The Great Debate
- Engage in a debate representing the various perspectives on the annexation of the Philippines.
- Create a pros and cons list after your debate discussion.
Task 4: Making a Decision
- Come together as a group and make a decision; are the Philippines worth the annexation or should they be left to their own government.
- After the decision has been made write a letter to President McKinley and give him your characters recommendation on the Philippines.
Process
Task 1: Philippines profile - Timeline - BBC News and 1. United States/Philippines (1898-1946) (uca.edu) to create your timeline
Task 2: Look up your character and figure out whether they are for or against the Annexation of the Philippines,
William McKinley - Administration | Miller Center
Mark Twain's Stance on Imperialism and Historical Examples of His Opposition - eNotes.com
Henry Ford on war and imperialism - by Charles McKelvey (substack.com)
Crucible of Empire - PBS Online
American Soldiers in the Philippines Write Home about the War (gmu.edu)
Task 3: Discuss with your group and about the pros and cons of giving the Philippines freedom. Make a list of the pros and cons that were discussed.
Task 4: Now that you have come to a decision, you must write a letter to President McKinley and tell him what you recommend he should do with the Philippines. This letter must give at least 3 reasons to why. Write in full sentences.
Conclusion
Congratulations! Your recommendation has been sent to President McKinley and he will take it into consideration when deciding on whether or not to annex the Philippines.