"Imagine" Constructed Response Activity

"Imagine there's no countries, It isn't hard to do,
Nothing to kill or die for, No religion too,
Imagine all the people living life in peace...

Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can,
No need for greed or hunger, A brotherhood of man,
Imagine all the people Sharing all the world...

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one,
I hope some day you'll join us, And the world will live as one."

Imagine ©1971 Lyrics by John Lennon

"...The Philippines are ours forever, "territory belonging to the United States," as the Constitution calls them.. And just beyond the Philippines are China's illimitable markets...We will not retreat from either...We will not repudiate our duty in the archipelago. We will not abandon our opportunity in the Orient...We will not renounce our part in the mission of our race, trustee, under God, of the civilization of the world...He has marked us as His chosen people, henceforth to lead in the regeneration of the world..."

U.S. Senator Albert J. Beveridge speaks on the Philippine Question, U.S. Senate, January 9, 1900

1) When was the song Imagine written and who wrote it?

2) Summarize and explain the message or meaning of the song.

3) Compare the message of the quote by Senator Beveridge and the song lyrics. Is the meaning of each document similar or do they express contrasting beliefs? Explain.

4) Define imperialism and explain how this belief system could contribute to disputes and conflicts between nations?

5) Which of the documents expresses imperialistic beliefs and attitudes? Explain.

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