14.8 – Module Project and Reflection
Let’s share opinions about when and how the United States should get involved with other countries!
You and others are going to decide when the United States has the responsibility to get involved with situations in other countries.
1) Look at the Module 14 Project: U.S. Involvement in World Affairs handout. During this project, you will be thinking about this question:
What should the U.S. government consider before getting involved in international situations?
Read the example together. This is a “real-world” example (from World War I) of a time when the U.S. had to decide if and how they would get involved in an international conflict.
| Example: World War I began in 1914 between various countries in Europe. At the beginning, many people in the United States thought that the country did not need to get involved in other countries’ wars and disputes. This view was called isolationism and meant a belief that the U.S. government should focus more on domestic (home) affairs rather than international ones. However, as the war continued, the U.S. started to consider many things before getting involved. Should they send troops? Should they send weapons? The U.S. became involved by sending soldiers and other assistance that helped end the conflict. |
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2) How can the U.S. “intervene” in situations or events in other countries? Read the definitions and the list below as a class.
| – Intervene (verb): To become involved in something (such as a conflict)
– Intervention (noun): The act of intervening in something Types of interventions that a country may consider:
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3) Discuss as a class: What should the U.S. government think about before getting involved in certain situations? How can we help? How much will it cost? Whom will it affect? Should the United States become part of these situations? Why or why not?
4) Work with a partner or in small groups – your teacher will assign one Event (1-4) to each group.
Imagine that the events described in the handout are happening in Countries A-D. With your group, read the background information for your assigned Event (1-4) and answer the guiding questions that follow. There are no correct or incorrect answers.
When complete, each group can share their thoughts with the whole group. As a class, compare the types of interventions for each Event/situation – how are they the same or different?
Big Questions
We are at the end of Module 14! Based on your learning, how would you answer these questions?
Do a 3-5-minute “quick write” about one or more of the questions below OR be prepared to discuss one or more of them.
Questions #1-2: What is the cost of war? Who or what influences peace?
Question #3: What will America’s role in the world be in future years, and how do we participate in it?
Extend Your Learning!
International Organizations Search
There are a number of international organizations that help people and governments discuss and solve issues and problems. For example, the United Nations was founded in 1945 as an organization to maintain international peace and security and to protect human rights throughout the world.
What do they do?
