Here is a rather strong interpretation (below) of how the United States initially became a world power. Johnny Harris is a filmmaker, journalist and has a degree in international relations. This is a master class in presentation design, so think about how you could incorporate some of his explanatory techniques into your 4th Quarter Project. Feel free to visit Johnny Harris' YouTube page to see other work he has done and scroll down for his presentation design tips.
Is the United States an Empire?
What is the author's opinion on whether or not America is an empire? How does he demonstrate/communicate his viewpoint?
How did the "United States" become "America"? This 33-minute podcast features historian Daniel Immerwahr:
American Visions: the Wilderness and the West
How do historical and artistic depictions of the American landscape connect to the idea of an American empire? Pay special attention to "manifest destiny" and the Turner Thesis.
Miss the video? See it HERE.
To help you better understand what the Turner Thesis is, the video below provides a novel approach at explanation:
An Introduction to Frederick Jackson Turner's The Significance Of The Frontier In American History from Macat on Vimeo.
And a more critical interpretation provided below from Prof. Naoko Shibusawa of Brown University:Creatures of Empire
American Mythology: A See, Think, Wonder Activity
Is the United States an empire? If so, what was the origin of this desire to expand? Could it be the idea of "manifest destiny" coupled with Frederick Jackson Turner's "frontier thesis"?
"Segregated by Design" -- Richard Rothstein
If you want to make a Google doc copy of the worksheet below, please click here.
Based on Rothstein's book, The Color of Law, this video explains the following:
- What is de facto segregation?
- What is de jure segregation?
- What is "redlining"?
- What is "blockbusting"?
- What is the difference between income and wealth? What are the racial gaps in these factors?
- What does Rothstein suggest we do as Americans to rectify past injustices? Do you agree with his recommendations?
Segregated By Design from Silkworm on Vimeo.