Yellow Journalism and the Spanish-American War: How the Media Shaped History - History Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Uncover the powerful role of the media with this reading comprehension worksheet on yellow journalism and its influence on the Spanish-American War. Perfect for high school history students, this resource offers a thorough exploration of how sensationalized reporting by figures like William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer ignited public outrage, influenced U.S. foreign policy, and pushed the nation toward war.

What's Included:

• An engaging passage detailing the rise of yellow journalism, its role in fueling the Spanish-American War, and the lasting impact of media on U.S. imperialism.
• Multiple-choice questions to test comprehension of key events, figures, and concepts.
• Matching and fill-in-the-blank activities to help reinforce learning and review important terms.
• Primary source analysis, featuring an excerpt from an 1898 newspaper, with guided questions that challenge students to critically assess sensationalist reporting.
• Short-answer questions to encourage deeper thinking about the consequences of yellow journalism and the ethics of responsible reporting.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Understand the rise of yellow journalism and how it shaped public opinion during the late 19th century.
• Explore the impact of sensationalism on the U.S.’s decision to enter the Spanish-American War.
• Analyze the ethical implications of exaggerated reporting and its effect on public perception.
• Investigate the role of media influence in shaping political and historical events.

A Great Tool For:

• Deeper learning and class discussions about the power of the press and its role in society.
• Sub plans that are ready-to-use, keeping students engaged with meaningful content in your absence.
• Independent or group work, offering a comprehensive look at how journalism played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. history.

Common Core Standards Covered:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events develop over the course of the text.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7: Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Perfect For:

• U.S. History or World History classes
• AP U.S. History
• Journalism or Media Studies courses that examine the ethics of reporting
• Critical thinking and analysis exercises

This worksheet is a must-have for any history teacher looking to bring discussions of media, ethics, and historical events into the classroom. It’s not just about learning facts—it’s about critical thinking and examining how journalism shapes world events. Ready to unlock your students’ critical thinking potential?

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