Question

Read the following excerpt from British poet Rudyard Kipling's "The White Man's Burden," written in 1899. What does this excerpt suggest about how Europeans viewed imperialism during this period?

Take up the White Man's burden— In patience to abide, To veil the threat of terror And check the show of pride; By open speech and simple, An hundred times made plain To seek another's profit, And work another's gain. —Rudyard Kipling1

A. Europeans thought that imperialism was too violent and uncivilized for modern states.
B. Europeans saw imperialism as a selfless activity that would help foreign peoples.
C. Europeans felt that all non-European cultures were inferior and should be destroyed.
D. Europeans believed that imperialist actions should be carried out in secret.

Answer 1

The correct answer is B.

Answer 2

The correct answer is B., the excerpt suggests that Europeans saw imperialism as a selfless activity that would help foreign peoples during this period. While the poetic voice clearly views white men as superior to others, he also feels that this is also a great responsability and burden. The white man has the responsability of teaching others, he has to be patient with them and explain thing simply for the poor savages to understand. Everything he does is for the enlightment of others, and will bring profit to others.