Product Title:
The Panama Canal: Engineering a Path to U.S. Global Dominance - History Reading Comprehension Worksheet
Item Description:
Dive into one of the most significant engineering marvels of the 20th century with The Panama Canal: Engineering a Path to U.S. Global Dominance.

This reading comprehension worksheet offers students an in-depth look at the construction of the Panama Canal and the pivotal role it played in shaping U.S. foreign policy and global influence. While students explore the success of the canal as an engineering feat, they’ll also confront the ethical concerns behind U.S. intervention in Panama’s independence, the exploitation of labor, and the long-term effects on Panama’s sovereignty.

Through this worksheet, your students will:

• Analyze U.S. interests in the construction of the canal and how Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy secured U.S. control over the Canal Zone.
• Investigate the ethical concerns raised by the exploitation of labor and the role of diseases like malaria and yellow fever during construction.
• Explore the impact of the canal on U.S. military and trade dominance, as well as the eventual return of the canal to Panama under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.

What’s Included:

• Multiple-choice questions: Test students' understanding of key events and motivations behind U.S. intervention in Panama.
• Matching activities: Reinforce critical terms, figures, and concepts related to the construction and control of the Panama Canal.
• Fill-in-the-blank exercises: Provide a quick review of the most important facts and details.
• Short-answer questions: Encourage deeper analysis of the ethical dilemmas and broader implications of U.S. control over the canal.
• Primary source analysis: Dive into Theodore Roosevelt’s justification of U.S. involvement in Panama, encouraging students to engage with historical perspectives.

This worksheet places a strong emphasis on critical reading and comprehension, making it ideal for in-class discussions, homework, or even as a sub plan for those days when you need reliable, engaging material.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the political and economic motivations behind the U.S.’s construction of the Panama Canal.
• Explore the ethical concerns related to labor exploitation and the manipulation of Panama’s independence.
• Evaluate the impact of the Panama Canal on U.S. military and economic dominance in the 20th century.
• Critically analyze primary sources to understand historical perspectives on U.S. foreign policy.

Common Core Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source and provide an accurate summary.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Courses This Resource Is Perfect For:

• U.S. History (High School)
• AP U.S. History
• World History (Grades 9-12)
• Social Studies (Grades 9-12)

This worksheet offers deeper learning opportunities for students to grapple with the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, ethical concerns in international projects, and the role of global trade routes. Whether you're using it for classwork, discussions, or as a sub plan, it’s sure to keep your students engaged and thinking critically.

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