The Treaty of Paris did not treat Spain's former possessions the same way. Cuba became nominally independent but was bound by the Platt Amendment, Puerto Rico and Guam passed into American hands, and the Philippines entered a long and violent chapter. Traxel's account of 1898 ends where these questions begin, which makes them excellent essay prompts. Asking students to explain why the outcomes differed requires more than memorizing facts.

A strong essay on this topic identifies patterns and explains them. It might argue that strategic location, existing independence movements, and domestic politics each shaped American decisions in different ways. Students must weigh these factors for each territory and avoid forcing them into a single story. The rubric should reward that careful differentiation.

Weaker essays tend to describe each territory in turn without drawing connections. They may list facts, such as that Puerto Rico became a territory and Cuba gained limited independence, but not explain what this reveals. Feedback can ask students what the contrast shows about American goals. This pushes them toward the analysis the assignment is designed to elicit.

Criteria for a Comparative Essay of This Type

A well-designed rubric includes a comparative thesis, accurate evidence for each territory, and analysis of the reasons behind the differences. It should also reward attention to the perspectives of the people living in these places, who often disappear from student essays. A student who notes that Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and Filipinos had different expectations and responses is thinking more deeply than one who treats the territories as passive objects. This dimension should be explicit in the scoring guide.

• A thesis that explains why outcomes differed across the territories
• Accurate, specific evidence for at least three places
• Analysis of American motives such as strategy, trade, and politics
• Attention to local perspectives and responses
• A conclusion that connects the outcomes to the larger story of expansion

Handling Sensitive Perspectives

The topic involves colonial power and the treatment of people with limited say in their own futures. Students may bring strong feelings or family histories to their writing. Teachers can create a respectful environment by emphasizing evidence and fairness. A rubric line on respectful and accurate treatment of all groups reinforces this expectation.

When students write about groups they belong to, their insight can be valuable, but they should still support claims with evidence. Feedback should treat personal knowledge as a starting point rather than a substitute for sources. Encouraging students to find documentation for family stories develops research skills. This makes the essay stronger and models good historical practice.

Making Grading Manageable

Comparative essays covering several territories can be long, so graders benefit from a structured approach. Reading first for the thesis and the overall organization identifies major issues quickly. A second read checks evidence and analysis for each territory. Using the rubric to guide each pass prevents getting lost in detail.

AI-assisted grading can help by applying the criteria across all essays and noting where a territory is missing or the comparison is thin. Teachers can then focus on the historical reasoning and the sensitivity of the treatment. This balance saves time while preserving careful human evaluation. It is particularly valuable when many students are writing on the same prompt.

Connecting to the Present

The legacies of 1898 remain visible today, particularly in the political status of Puerto Rico and Guam. A closing question asking students to connect their analysis to a present-day issue can deepen engagement. Grading these connections requires attention to accuracy and balance. Students should avoid sweeping claims and support any modern comparison with evidence.

This kind of extension shows students that history is not a closed book but an ongoing conversation. It also helps them see why careful analysis of the past matters. Teachers who build these links into assignments often find that students write with greater interest and care. A thoughtfully designed prompt and a clear rubric make that possible.