Resistance in Paradise: Rethinking 100 Years of U.S. Involvement in the Caribbean and the Pacific

Teaching Guide. Edited by Debbie Wei and Rachel Kamel. 1998. 199 pages.
Readings and teaching ideas for high school students on the Spanish-American War.

Over one hundred years ago, in 1898, the United States became the ruling power in Pacific and Caribbean islands including Cuba, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and American Samoa. U.S. involvement altered the course of history of these countries, significantly affecting their cultures, political systems, and social structures.

Resistance in Paradise was written by a collaborative team of educators and activists that included people from each of the featured countries and territories. It is designed as a resource for high school and college classrooms, community groups, faith communities, and others who are interested in exploring the U.S. involvement beyond the borders of North America. Each chapter provides a historical overview, selected readings from original source materials, and teaching ideas.

This volume is filled with illustrations, cartoons, photographs, poems, stories, and historical and contemporary documents. All readings are formatted for easy reproduction for classroom or group use.

“Unlike standard textbooks, Resistance in Paradise provides insight into the perspectives of people whose lives and homelands have been directly affected by the Spanish-American War. As a Filipina American, I greatly appreciate this feature of the book because so often textbook writing on the war excludes the voices of people of color. In addition to including multiple perspectives, Resistance in Paradise provides tools such as primary sources, role play activities, and reflective writing exercises, regarding themes such as international relations and human rights, to make the causes and consequences of the war relevant to students. It is an excellent resource that can help students sharpen their critical thinking skills and gain a more balanced understanding of history.” — Darlene Germino, Humanities for Teaching Student, Seattle University

Published by the American Friends Service Committee and the School District of Philadelphia.

ISBN: 0910082332