Gilded Age and Progressive Era
The Rise of American Power in the World
180 minutes
This lesson explores the changing role of America during the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. Students will explore American foreign policy and its role in the world in the Spanish-American War, World War I, and the debate over the Versailles Treaty. A historical narrative, primary sources, political cartoons, and student activities will help students debate different views regarding America’s role in the world in history and today.
Founding Principles
Due Process
The government must interact with all citizens according to the duly-enacted laws; applying these rules equally among all citizens.
Equality
Every individual is equal to every other person in regards to natural rights and treatment before the law.
Federalism
The people delegate certain powers to the national government, while the states retain other powers; and the people, who authorize the states and national government, retain all freedoms not delegated to the governing bodies.
Freedom of Speech
The freedom to express one's opinions without interference from the the government is critical to the maintenance of liberty within a free society.
Inalienable / Natural Rights
Freedoms which belong to us by nature and can only be justly taken away through due process.
Limited Government
Citizens are best able to pursue happiness when government is confined to those powers which protect their life, liberty, and property.
Property Rights
The natural right of all individuals to create, obtain, and control their possessions, beliefs, faculties, and opinions, as well as the fruits of their labor.
Rule of Law
Government and citizens all abide by the same laws regardless of political power. Those laws respect individual rights, are transparently enacted, are justly applied, and are stable.
Separation of Powers
A system of distinct powers built into the Constitution to prevent an accumulation of power in one branch.
