Banana Wars

Banana Wars (1898–1934):

It’s a series of wars conducted by the United States of America to control the neighboring countries to preserve the American commercial interest in these regions also strengthen the central American power in this region. During this war Spain signed “The Treaty of Paris” and give up its controlled Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to United States. Later, they occupied Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic by using military forces.

Banana Massacre: In 1928, the United Fruit Company went against the union workers with the help of Columbian military they massacred and killed merely 2,000 workers.

Part of Banana Wars:

• Nicaragua (1912–1933)
• Haiti (1915–1934)
• Dominican Republic (1916–1924)

Spanish American War Timeline Using Primary Sources

Our newest lesson covers the "splendid little war" known as the Spanish American War. Although brief, this war is essential for students to understand how America transitioned into becoming a world power.

In this lesson, students analyze 10 primary sources from the Spanish American War, including cartoons, newspapers, lithographs, maps, and pictures all related to each aspect of the war.

Students then match these documents to questions along a timeline. The documents begin with a cartoon related to America protecting Cuba and move through the explosion on the USS Maine, the Teller & Platt Amendments, Rough Riders, Yellow Journalism, Buffalo Soldiers, Philippine-American War, and more. 

Each task is of varying difficulty and caters to visual and kinesthetic learners in having them finishing sketches to reinforce concepts. An answer key is included and can be seen below. You can download this lesson for your classroom by clicking here. A free preview of all the documents in the lessons is available as well.