A lesson for 11th grade US History teachers.

2. Why U.S. Imperialism?? The Six Ds….
Dollars:
 seeking new markets for trade and investment: enhance capitalism
 seeking economic activities or natural resources
Defense:
 to protect dollar interests / to defend the country / National Security
 military might / need for bases or stations to maintain control of region
Democracy:
 spreading political ideals to countries with unstable governments or oppressive regimes
 In the name of freedom and liberty
Darwinism (Social):
 survival of the fittest mentality applied to nations or races: “stronger” nations dominate “weaker”
 Anglo-Saxon superiority /“advanced” cultures (white) “civilizing” primitive ones (brown)
Destiny (Manifest):
 taking the concept of manifest destiny outside the borders of the U.S.
 Belief that it is our God given right to expand, spread democracy, and keep markets open for trade and profit
Deity:
 spreading the word of God and Christianity / “Civilization” tied to Christianity
 Missions and Missionary work in foreign countries

3. Can you identify the Six Ds of Imperialism in McKinley’s decision to annex the Philippines??

4. Cartoon Groups:
teacher provides the following format on worksheet for each student to complete in groups
Teacher can choose which cartoons, and how many, to include in the group activity depending
on class size and amount of time.
#1 : Study the cartoon:
Look at all words, signs, and symbols.
Who is represented in the cartoon?______________________________________________________________
What is happening?__________________________________________________________________________
#2 : The Big Picture:
What is the general message?__________________________________________________________________
How do you know that? (what signs, symbols, or labels help you to identify the message?)
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
#3 : Point of view:
From whose point of view is the cartoon from?_____________________________________
Where might this have been published? __________________________________________
For what purpose? Is it FOR or AGAINST something?
____________________________________________________________________
#4 : Outside information:
What people, places, events, ideas or concepts, vocabulary, policies, time frame, or 6 Ds come to
mind or are related to this cartoon? Check your notebook if you need to. List these below:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
#5: Name the cartoon: With your group, think of a clever title for this cartoon:
_______________________________________________

12. Meanwhile....
....Ready for WWI?

13. The last two cartoons (following slides) are for the
teacher to present after the group work.
Ask students to analyze them and share ideas with
class.
Afterwards, tell them that these cartoons were
published after the US went into Iraq in 2003.
Discuss imperialism as a concept today…connecting
themes of the past to current foreign policy.
Which of the 6 Ds do they think are most applicable
to today?