How important was the Spanish‒American War of 1898 in changing the focus of US foreign policy?
Level
AS LEVEL
Year Examined
2021
Topic
Empire and the emergence of world powers, 1870–1919
👑Complete Model Essay
How important was the Spanish‒American War of 1898 in changing the focus of US foreign policy?
A-Level History Essay: The Impact of the Spanish-American War on US Foreign Policy
This guide will help you write a compelling A-Level history essay on the importance of the Spanish-American War in shaping US foreign policy. You'll need to analyze the war's impact while considering other factors that influenced the direction of US policy at the time.
Understanding the Question
The essay asks you to assess the **significance*of the Spanish-American War in changing the focus of US foreign policy. This means you need to determine how much the war **contributed*to the shift towards a more active and interventionist role in global affairs. You must also consider **alternative explanations*for this shift and compare the relative importance of each factor.
Structuring Your Essay
A clear and logical structure will make your argument stronger. Here's a possible framework:
Introduction
⭐Introduce the topic: the shift in US foreign policy from isolationism to expansionism.
⭐State your thesis: Your main argument about the importance of the Spanish-American War in this shift. For example, "While other factors played a role, the Spanish-American War was a pivotal event that significantly propelled the US towards a more assertive foreign policy."
⭐Briefly outline the key points you will discuss in your essay.
Body Paragraphs
Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your argument. Here are possible topics:
Paragraph 1: The Impact of the Spanish-American War
⭐Explain the key outcomes of the war: US acquisition of overseas territories like Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
⭐Analyze the consequences of this change: new imperial responsibilities, increased naval power, and the need for a global presence.
⭐Discuss how these consequences influenced the US's foreign policy focus, moving it away from purely continental concerns.
Paragraph 2: Other Contributing Factors
⭐Acknowledge other factors that contributed to the shift in US foreign policy:
⭐Economic interests: Industrialists pushing for overseas markets and raw materials.
⭐Ideological concerns: The rise of American exceptionalism and a belief in spreading democracy and civilization.
⭐Imperialist competition: Concerns about European expansion threatening US interests and the Monroe Doctrine.
⭐Presidential leadership: The aggressive foreign policy approaches of McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.
⭐Examine the influence of these factors on the direction of US policy during this period.
Paragraph 3: Comparing the Relative Importance of Factors
⭐Compare the impact of the Spanish-American War with the other factors you've discussed.
⭐Use evidence to support your claim about the relative importance of each factor in the shift towards a more assertive US foreign policy.
⭐For example, argue that the war was a catalyst, providing the opportunity and justification for the US to expand its role in global affairs.
Conclusion
⭐Restate your thesis, emphasizing the importance of the Spanish-American War in shaping US foreign policy.
⭐Summarize the key arguments you have presented in the body paragraphs.
⭐Provide a concluding statement that reflects the overall significance of the war in the context of US foreign relations.
Important Tips
⭐Use specific evidence: Back up your arguments with historical facts, quotations from primary sources, and relevant statistics. Don't rely on generalizations.
⭐Analyze your evidence: Explain the significance of the evidence you present and how it supports your claims. Don't just list facts.
⭐Consider different perspectives: Acknowledge alternative viewpoints and historical interpretations. Show that you have a nuanced understanding of the topic.
⭐Write clearly and concisely: Use precise language and avoid jargon. Organize your ideas into clear and logical paragraphs.
⭐Proofread carefully: Eliminate errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Remember:
This is just a framework. Feel free to adapt it to suit your specific arguments and evidence. The key to a successful essay is a clear and well-supported thesis, strong evidence, and a compelling analysis.
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Introduction
Briefly introduce the Spanish-American War and its significance. State your argument - whether it was the most important factor or not in changing US foreign policy focus.
The Impact of the Spanish-American War
Territorial Expansion: Discuss the acquisition of territories like the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico, marking a shift from continental to overseas expansion.
Military and Strategic Implications: Explain how the war led to the need for a stronger navy and overseas bases, influencing future military spending and interventions.
Public Opinion: Examine how the war fostered a sense of American power and exceptionalism, supporting a more assertive foreign policy.
Other Influences on US Foreign Policy
Economic Interests: Discuss the growing industrial production and the need for new markets, pushing the US towards securing overseas trade interests.
European Imperialism: Analyze the anxieties caused by European expansion in Africa and Asia, and the pressure to protect American interests through measures like the Open Door Policy.
Presidential Leadership: Evaluate the roles of McKinley and Roosevelt in promoting expansionism and a more active role in world affairs.
Conclusion
Summarize the importance of the Spanish-American War in the context of other factors. Reiterate your argument, highlighting whether the war was the most significant turning point, or one of several important influences on the shift in US foreign policy focus.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
How important was the Spanish‒American War of 1898 in changing the focus of US foreign policy?
Well-constructed responses will include a consideration of the effects of the Spanish-American War, setting these against other possible influences on the direction of US policy.
Spanish American War:
It was a major step outside the continental boundaries of the US. It gave the US an overseas Empire which they then needed to defend and maintain. It led to further steps like the Open Door Policy in China. It re-focused the US public from internal expansion to overseas growth.
Other factors:
There was concern over European imperialist expansion, as seen in the Scramble for Africa and a potential threat to the Monroe Doctrine. There was pressure from industrialists for the development of overseas trade. The presidential leadership of McKinley and then Roosevelt (Roosevelt Corollary) was also significant. It had the support of the ‘yellow’ press. The US became involved in the Panama Canal Project. Accept any other valid responses.