Map of the American Empire

Map of the American Empire

Objective: Players will uncover and identify key U.S. territorial acquisitions (Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii). They’ll then defend their positions on whether these acquisitions were imperialist or anti-imperialist.

• Hawaii: Annexed by the U.S. in 1898 after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, following pressure from American settlers and business interests.
• Puerto Rico: Acquired through the Treaty of Paris in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory.
• Cuba: Acquired as a U.S. protectorate after the Spanish-American War in 1898, though it was not formally annexed.

After reading Cuba facts click here and answer question.

After reading the Hawaii facts click here and answer question.

After reading Puerto Rico's facts click here and answer question.

Was the U.S. justified in acquiring Puerto Rico's territory?

Yes (Imperialist)No (Anti-Imperialist)

(Answer here)

Do you think the U.S. was justified in acquiring Cubas territory?

Yes (Imperialist)No (Anti-Imperialist)

Text button

Cuba

Fact: After the Spanish-American War, Cuba was granted independence but under heavy U.S. influence. The Platt Amendment (1901) allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs and establish military bases (like Guantanamo Bay).Imperialist Perspective: The U.S. wanted to control the island to protect its interests in the Caribbean and to prevent other powers, especially Spain, from regaining influence. Anti-Imperialist Perspective: Many critics, such as Mark Twain, argued that it was morally wrong for the U.S. to maintain control over Cuba, infringing on its sovereignty.

Puerto Rico

• Fact: Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory after the Spanish-American War in 1898. The island was viewed as a strategic military base in the Caribbean and a source of raw materials.
• Imperialist Perspective: Supporters believed that controlling Puerto Rico would help strengthen the U.S. in the Caribbean, expand its economic reach, and spread its values of democracy.
• Anti-Imperialist Perspective: Critics saw the annexation as exploitation and imperialism, denying Puerto Ricans self-determination and rights.

Hawaii

Fact: Hawaii was annexed by the U.S. in 1898 after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893, following economic interests from American planters and the strategic importance of the islands in the Pacific.Imperialist Perspective: Supporters argued that Hawaii was a vital stopover for military and trade routes in the Pacific, and annexation would help secure the U.S. position in the region. Anti-Imperialist Perspective: Critics believed that the U.S. had wrongfully overthrown the Hawaiian monarchy, and annexing Hawaii was a violation of the sovereignty of its people.

Was the U.S. justified in acquiring Hawaii's territory?

Yes (Imperialist)No (Anti-Imperialist)

(Answer here)