**Title: Transition and Continuity in Early US Foreign Policy**
**Synopsis:**
This lesson focused on understanding the evolution of early US foreign policies, with an emphasis on the Monroe Doctrine’s role in shaping America’s diplomatic history. The class explored how foreign policy decisions from various eras reflected continuity and change, and how these policies laid the groundwork for contemporary international relations.
**Attendance:**
– 2 students absent (Amira and Asiel)
**Topics Covered:**
1. **Introduction to Early US Foreign Policies:**
– The concept of policy lifespan and evolution over time.
– Video presentation on the Monroe Doctrine.
2. **Monroe Doctrine Analysis:**
– Historical context and significance.
– US and Latin American relations, and the role of Britain.
3. **Continuity and Change Activity:**
– Students identified themes of continuity and change between five early foreign policies (e.g., Jay Treaty, Louisiana Purchase, Alien and Sedition Acts, Adams-OnÃs Treaty, and Monroe Doctrine).
– Discussed the transition from neutrality to assertiveness in US foreign policy.
4. **Comparative Analysis of Monroe Doctrine:**
– Examined the Monroe Doctrine’s relevance from its inception to the Cold War and modern times.
– Discussion on the shifts in geopolitical focus and the doctrine’s application.
5. **Theoretical Frameworks Discussion:**
– Students applied international relations theories (realism, liberalism, constructivism) to analyze early US foreign policies.
**Actionable Items:**
– Address online student engagement for activities and discussions.
– Consider supplemental material to enhance understanding of the transition from policy neutrality to assertiveness.
– Review students’ grasp of international relations theories in application to historical policies.
**Homework:**
– Read the chapter on the start of the Cold War from the Scott and Rosati textbook.
– Read the relevant chapter from Henry Kissinger’s “Diplomacy” on the Cold War (PDF to be uploaded to e-course).
– Be prepared to discuss the United States’ perspective on the Cold War in the next class.