|
Debate Summaries | Instructions
UNIT: American Foreign Policy
SKILL: To develop an opinion on a situation based on different viewpoints and facts presented. To express this opinion in an
organized and well informed manner (using a thesis with supporting points).
OBJECTIVE: I hope we will be able to determine the pros and cons of acquiring territory in the 1900s as a world power. We will also see
and understand the tactics used to present a point in a senatorial debate.
MATERIALS: Debate manuscript copies, instruction sheet.
CONTENT:
Instruction Sheet
Primary sources (the actual debate manuscript)
Secondary Sources (summaries below)
Senators in favor of the acquisition of the Philippines.
1.Sen. Platt (pro)
The Indians have benefited from our civilization and acquisition of North America.
It would be a crime for us not to offer our excellent governing to these people of the Philippines who cannot govern themselves.
We have a moral duty to civilize the masses and spread democracy.
2.Sen. Foraker (pro)
It is constitutional to acquire this territory due to its necessity for the defense of the nation (military base). This was the reason we
constitutionally acquired Hawaii.
3.Sen. Nelson (pro)
Just like Mexico and upper California the Philippines will become an acquired territory. We are saving them from Spanish tyranny just as we saved
those territories.
4.Sen. Lodge (pro)
We need to focus on the question as to whether the taking of the Philippines is constitutional. The constitution is a document that we as Americans
support and uphold. To leave these Filipinos to the self proclaimed dictator is less constitutional than supporting the Philippines and upholding justice
and democracy in that region. I believe in the ability of the American people and government to do what is best and most just for the
Filipinos.
If we reject the treaty with the Philippines, then we are handing them back to Spain. To back away from our responsibility as a new great power
would only show that we are weak and incapable of handling such foreign affairs.
Take the Philippines out of the hands of the war and Spain and give them to the United States Congress and peace.
5.Sen. Platt (pro)
Aguinaldo has arms that we have provided and is threatening to attack if we do not sign his treaty. We need to sign this treaty to maintain
peace. This will not only support peace with Aguinaldo, but it will outlast his small band and a better government will surface.
Senators against the acquisition of the Philippines
1.Sen. Caffey (con)
We must have the consent of the people to acquire the territory.
Any acquired territory must eventually become a state and the inhabitants must become citizens.
It is unwise to acquire the Philippines due to the fact that they are a distant (geographically) and dissimilar culture.
2.Sen. Hoar (con)
The US has no right to take the Philippines, the idea that we "must never take down the American flag where it has flown" is poppycock.
The idea of taking these countries is simply becoming another European Tyrant.
3.Sen. Mason (con)
Ok, So you say that these people are savages that we must support. You think that they cannot govern themselves. For years in this country we have
burdened ourselves by stooping to hold down the black man. We said, "I must protect you from the evils of the world by keeping a book out of your
hand and providing you with food as my slave." (sarcasm) We just fought a @#$@%! war over this situation because we believed that the
downtrodden could lift themselves up and transcend such racism and repression. And here we are again claiming that we need to help these poor,
downtrodden, people by removing their independence? This war was for liberty, and it should end in the pursuit of this liberty.
4.Sen. Bacon (con)
We gave weapons to savages and they helped us win. We made a mistake in this manner, but we cannot force such a different people to adopt our
government. We would have to colonize this country and rule it with an iron hand. The Philippines would be our weak spot and a black hole for our
military to attempt to hold order.
5.Sen. Rawlins (con)
We do not need this territory. We will then have to call ourselves the "Empire of America" or "The United States and the Kingdom of the
Philippines." This acquisition would not help our labor surplus and our governing of these people would not be beneficial to them.
INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
1. Divide the students into groups of three and give them the instruction sheet along with the primary sources.
2. Place the debate in context by discussing the Spanish American War and how it led to the control of Cuba and the Philippines. Discuss what happened
to Cuba. Introduce the debate about the Philippines.
3. Allow the students to read the pieces by their senator and write the senator's thesis argument. (discuss a thesis and its parts)
4. Allow the students to read further and determine at least three supporting points for their Theses. They can then write a half page argument based on
these supporting points and thesis.
5. The teacher gives an opinion on the matter and discussion ensues.
6. The groups select a representative to participate in the debate the next day.
(first class ends)
8. Class begins in a fishbowl setting. The selected students act out the main ideas of their senator (the order in which they speak is
determined by the teacher)
9. The students and teacher discuss how each senator attempts to persuade the audience (facts vs emotions or views). What tactics work.
how could it be better??
10. The students then sit and write their view on the matter using a thesis and three supporting points. They must choose to appeal to
emotion and/or use facts.
11. One or two (or more) students read aloud their opinion....
ASSESSMENT:
Thesis papers are turned in for a grade. 2 points extra possible for exceptional participation. Possible material for the unit test.
| 