How do Americans feel about territorial expansion?
Critical Analysis
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:
According to the visual above, what percent of Americans favor using force to take more territory, and what percent of Americans do not want to expand its territory?
According to the visual above, how does party affiliation impact public opinion regarding expanding American territory?
How would you answer the question listed above: Do you generally think the U.S. should seek to expand its territory, even if it means using force; seek to expand its territory, but not by force; Not sure; Not seek to expand its territory?
Since taking office Donald Trump has advocated that America conquer Greenland, Panama, Canada, and the Gaza Strip. The Admissions Clause: Article IV, Section 3, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to admit new states into the Union, and the power to make rules and regulations for territories, which allows for the acquisition and management of new territories. Do you think the current Congress would vote to make Gaza an American territory?
Despite public opinion, this month Donald Trump said that we are, “working with everybody involved to try to get” Greenland. “We need it really for international world security. And I think we’re going to get it. One way or the other, we’re going to get it,” According to the visual below* which territory do Americans most want to seize?
Identify one cost and one benefit of making Greenland part of the United States?
A U.S. territory is a geographical area under the sovereign jurisdiction of the U.S. federal government, but unlike states, it lacks full sovereignty and voting representation in the federal government. The main U.S. territories are Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. U.S. territories are not states and do not have the same rights or powers as states. The U.S. federal government oversees and manages territories, including their laws and governance. Residents of U.S. territories are U.S. citizens, but they do not have voting representation in the U.S. Congress or the Electoral College. Territories can be acquired through purchase, conquest, or discovery, and some territories may eventually become states if they meet certain criteria, such as population and ability to govern. What is your favorite U.S territory?
Why do you think President Trump is so enthusiastic about adding territory to the United States?
Canadians, Greenlanders, Gazans, and Panamanians have all overwhelmingly said they do not wish to be taken over by the United States. A February poll found that only 6% of Greenlanders want to join the U.S. Despite vigorous opposition from the people of Greenland, this week Vice-President J.D. Vance will travel to Greenland. Explain whether the American government should consider public opinion of these potential territories when considering whether to annex them.
Canada recently offered to buy California from the Untied States. Do you think we should sell California?
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
Contact your Congressional representative and share your position on taking Greenland.
Learn More*
Get Creative
I had my friend, AI write a song in the style of Johnny Cash about the U.S. taking over foreign land. Make your own create response to the possibility of American territorial expansion.
(Starts with a simple, steady boom-chicka-boom rhythm on an acoustic guitar)
(Deep, resonant voice)
Well, I rode in on a dusty trail, sun beatin' on my brow,
Had a map in my pocket, and a mission anyhow.
Said, "Go claim that land, son," said the man with the big ol' star,
"Put our flag right there, boy, no matter how far."
(Guitar rhythm picks up slightly)
I crossed the rivers, wide and deep, climbed the mountains tall,
Saw folks livin' different, didn't know us at all.
They had their own ways, their own stories to tell,
But that paper in my pocket, it rang just like a bell.
(Chorus, voice gets a bit more gravelly)
I've been conquerin', I've been annexin', I've been claimin' ground,
From the valleys low, to the hills all around.
Puttin' up the borders, drawin' lines in the sand,
Sayin' this is ours now, with a gun in my hand.
(Guitar slows down a bit for a verse of reflection)
Saw the look in their eyes, some anger, some fear,
Heard the whispers in the wind, knew they held their lives dear.
But the orders were the orders, and a soldier does what's told,
So I planted that flag, even if my heart felt cold.
(Guitar picks up again, a bit faster, more determined)
Marched through the villages, built the forts and the walls,
Changed the names of the places, answered freedom's call.
Or at least that's what they told us, back where the big shots sat,
While I was out here doin' the deed, wearin' this old worn-out hat.
(Chorus, voice gets even more gravelly, a hint of weariness)
I've been conquerin', I've been annexin', I've been claimin' ground,
From the valleys low, to the hills all around.
Puttin' up the borders, drawin' lines in the sand,
Sayin' this is ours now, with a gun in my hand.
(Guitar fades out slowly, a final, lingering chord)
Yeah... with a gun in my hand.
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