Georgia SS5H1.c
The Standard
Explain how William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt expanded America's role in the world; include the Spanish-American War and the building of the Panama Canal.
Georgia Standards of Excellence for Social Studies · Describe how life changed in America at the turn of the century.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students explain how McKinley’s leadership during the Spanish-American War increased American influence overseas. They connect Roosevelt’s support for Panama and canal construction to greater American trade, travel, and military reach.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can place the war before the canal and match each event to the correct president. They can use cause and effect to explain how each event expanded American power abroad.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think Roosevelt was president during the Spanish-American War because he led the Rough Riders. They may confuse Spain with Mexico or think the war occurred only in Cuba. Some think the canal joined two oceans without understanding how it shortened ship routes.
How to Assess It
- Give an exit ticket: “Name one action taken by McKinley and one by Roosevelt, then explain how each expanded America’s world role.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs a world map and string to compare a New York to San Francisco route around South America with a route through Panama.
Ask students to write: “Which had a greater effect on American power, the Spanish-American War or the Panama Canal?” Use two facts.
Run a timeline relay where teams match event cards, president cards, locations, and outcomes, then arrange them in order.
Provide a shipping distance chart and have students explain how the Panama Canal saves a modern cargo ship time and fuel.
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Related Standards
- SS5H2
Describe U.S. involvement in World War I and post-World War I America.
- SS5E1.d
Describe how trade and voluntary exchange promotes economic activity (e.g., how the Panama Canal increases trade among countries).
- SS4H3
Explain westward expansion in America.
- SS5H4
Explain America's involvement in World War II.
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