L3: America Imperializes the South Pacific: A Case Study of the Changing Definition of Self-

DefenseAmerican Foreign Policy Agenda

Objective:1. To analyze the shifting

definition of self-defense between America’s founding and its colonization of the South Pacific.

Schedule: 2. Whole Class Discussion

Homework:1. Consult Unit

Schedule for Background Reading.

2. Work on Civic Literacy Assignment. First assignment due L8 (Tan = Fri 5/10; Red = Wed 5/15; Blue = Tues 5/14)

The South Pacific: A Case Study of America’s Foreign Policy of Defense• We have considered a variety of

themes/trends in American foreign policy thus far.

• Today, we want to focus in on an close examination of the theme of self-defense in American foreign policy.

We Will Consider America’s Understanding of Self-Defense at 3

Points in Time

Theory of Self-Defense at the Founding

Theory of Self-Defense during Western

Movement

Theory of Self-Defense during Imperialism: Colonization o the

South Pacific

Theory of Self-Defense at the Founding• Read the excerpt from Akhil Reed Amar America’s Constitution: A Biography• What is the theory of self-defense being

articulated here? • Should we consider this theory as “fixed”

(an immutable philosophy) or is it “malleable” (a general philosophy that can be subject to change over time?

Theory of Self-Defense During Western Movement

• Given what we know about Western Movement, can we argue that actions in the West were an act of self-defense?– In light of the theory of self-defense

articulated at the founding?– Is there a new theory of self-defense being

articulated through the actions in the West?

Theory of Self-Defense Defense During Colonization of the Pacific

• Quick Summary: What actions did the US take in the Pacific in each of the following countries?– China– Philippines– Hawaii

• Can we argue that these actions are a form of self-defense?

– In light of the definition given at the founding?– In light of the definition given during Western Expansion?

• Is there a new theory of self-dense being articulated here?

What is America’s Understanding of Self-Defense at each of Our Points in

Time

Theory of Self-Defense at the Founding

Theory of Self-Defense during Western

Movement

Theory of Self-Defense during Imperialism: Colonization o the

South Pacific

Overall…• Where has our theory of self-defense

arrived by the early 1900s?