Inquiries Filed Under:

Imperialism in the Philippines

About the inquiry

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of geopolitical relationships, particularly through an imperialistic lens. Focusing on the Philippines, students investigate the compelling question—how should we remember Emilio Aguinaldo?—in order to examine questions of foreign intervention, self-determination, and national sovereignty. By investigating the compelling question, students will examine the United States’ relationship with the Philippines and, likewise, apply historiographical thinking in assessing this time in history. By completing this inquiry, students will begin to understand how historical context shapes interpretation of geopolitical questions. Using Aguinaldo as a case study, this inquiry allows students to consider the factors impacting international relationships, as well as historical perspectives.

Compelling Question

How should we remember Emilio Aguinaldo?

Staging Question

Generate questions about the staging sources, paying close attention to origin, medium, and context.

Supporting Question

Why did Aguinaldo align with the United States against the Spanish?

Formative Tasks

Generate a list of reasons why Aguinaldo chose to align with the United States.

Sources

Source A: Timeline Source B: Excerpt from Where in the World is the Philippines?

Supporting Question

What consequences did the Spanish-American War have for the Philippines?

Formative Tasks

Create a graphic organizer that illustrates expectations and results of the Spanish-American War.

Sources

Source A: Video, Results of the Spanish-American War Source B: Proclamation of Independence, 1898 Source C: Treaty of Peace between the United States and Spain, 1898 Source D: Philippine Constitution, 1899

Supporting Question

Why did Aguinaldo fight against the United States in the Filipino War?

Formative Tasks

Write a paragraph that describes Aguinaldo’s reasons for fighting against United States occupation.

Sources

Source A: Proclamation of War, 1899 Source B: Aguinaldo’s Letter to the American People, 1900

Supporting Question

To what extent did Aguinaldo’s actions reflect the reasons he argued for independence?

Formative Tasks

Create a claim about the extent to which Aguinaldo’s government reflected the independence movement’s ideals.

Sources

Source A: Aguinaldo’s obituary, 1964

Summative Performance Task

Argument: How should we remember Emilio Aguinaldo? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that discusses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical and contemporary sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: Assess the textbook’s depiction of Aguinaldo and determine if revisions are needed.

Taking Informed Action

No data found.

Your Voice Matters

join C3 Teachers

C3Teachers.org facilitates open collaborative conversations among teachers as they tinker with their own instructional practice as it relates to the C3 Framework.

We'd Love to Talk

Contact Us

If you are interested in offering more professional development opportunities, rethinking or redesigning your social studies curriculum, we’d love to talk.