Title: The Spanish-American War: A Turning Point in American History

Objective: - To understand the causes and consequences of the Spanish-American War - To analyze the impact of the war on the United States’ emergence as a global power - To evaluate the role of media in shaping public opinion during the war

Duration: 60 minutes

Materials: - Whiteboard or blackboard - Markers or chalk - Handouts with key terms and events related to the Spanish-American War - Access to the internet or printed articles about the war

Lesson Plan:

1. Introduction (5 minutes)
   • Begin the lesson by asking students if they have heard about the Spanish-American War and what they know about it.
   • Write down their responses on the board to assess prior knowledge.
2. Background and Causes (10 minutes)
   • Provide a brief overview of the causes of the Spanish-American War, including:
     • The Cuban struggle for independence from Spain
     • The explosion of the USS Maine
     • Yellow journalism and its role in shaping public opinion
   • Use visual aids or handouts to engage students and facilitate understanding.
3. Key Events and Turning Points (15 minutes)
   • Discuss the key events of the Spanish-American War, such as:
     • The Battle of Manila Bay
     • The Battle of San Juan Hill
     • The Treaty of Paris
   • Explain how these events influenced the outcome of the war and the subsequent impact on the United States.
4. Media’s Role in Shaping Public Opinion (15 minutes)
   • Introduce the concept of yellow journalism and its impact on public opinion during the war.
   • Show examples of sensationalist newspaper headlines and articles from that time.
   • Discuss the ethical implications of media manipulation and its potential consequences.
5. Consequences and Impact (10 minutes)
   • Explore the consequences of the Spanish-American War, including:
     • The acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines by the United States
     • The emergence of the United States as a global power
     • The debate over American imperialism
   • Encourage students to reflect on the long-term impact of the war on American foreign policy.
6. Group Activity: Analyzing Primary Sources (15 minutes)
   • Divide students into small groups and provide them with primary sources related to the Spanish-American War.
   • Instruct each group to analyze the sources and discuss their significance in relation to the war.
   • Encourage students to consider different perspectives and biases presented in the sources.
7. Conclusion and Discussion (5 minutes)
   • Summarize the main points covered in the lesson.
   • Engage students in a class discussion about the significance of the Spanish-American War and its impact on American history.
   • Encourage students to ask questions and share their thoughts on the topic.
8. Assessment (Homework or In-Class Assignment)
   • Assign students to write a short essay or create a presentation on the impact of the Spanish-American War on American foreign policy and the United States’ emergence as a global power.

Note: Adjust the duration of each section based on the available class time and the students’ level of engagement.