Alabama Social Studies SS24.WH.5c

Social Studies9th GradeRise of Imperialism and World War I

The Standard

SS24.WH.5: Explain how nationalism fostered global transformation from 1848 to 1914.

Analyze the rise of Japan’s power in East Asia beginning with the Meiji Restoration.

2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students trace how reforms after 1868 built Japan’s industry, schools, and armed forces. They explain how victories over China and Russia helped Japan gain territory and influence in East Asia.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can connect a reform, such as conscription, to Japan’s growing military strength. They can use a map and dates to explain when Japan gained Taiwan and Korea.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think European powers colonized Japan or that its expansion began only after World War I. They may credit new weapons alone for Japan’s victories, overlooking schools, industry, and conscription.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Name one Meiji reform, explain how it strengthened Japan, and identify one place Japan controlled by 1910.

Lesson moves

Give pairs cards for Meiji reforms, factories, conscription, Taiwan, and Korea; have them arrange and explain a cause-and-effect chain.
Ask: Why did Japan’s victory over Russia in 1905 change how other countries saw its power? Cite one reform.
Play a matching game with cards for public schools, factories, conscription, trained workers, weapons, and larger armies.
Compare a 1910 empire map with a current political map; write how Korea’s political status changed.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to SS24.WH.5c, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

Keep exploring

Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.