After the Spanish-American War, President William McKinley faced a difficult choice of whether to annex the Philippines and take on the roles and responsibilities of an imperialist power or give it its independence. After great consternation, McKinley decided to annex the Philippines, forever changing the role of the United States in the world.

If you were in McKinley’s position, what would you have done? Would you have annexed the Philippines? Why or why not? First, make a list of pro and con arguments about this question. You will use that list to support the decision you would make.

There answer should be a list of five arguments in favor of annexation and five arguments against annexation.