Answer:
They sought to spread their civilizations, which they considered superior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of "civilizing missions" or "the white man's burden" was used as a justification for imperialism. Many Western nations saw themselves as superior in terms of culture, technology, and governance. They believed it was their responsibility to bring their ways of life, institutions, and values to other parts of the world, considering it their duty to "civilize" or "improve" the people in the colonized territories. This justification was used to morally validate their colonization efforts as a means of "uplifting" and "educating" what they perceived as less developed societies.
This rationale was often used to justify imperialism by portraying it as a benevolent endeavor to bring progress and development to the "less civilized" or "undeveloped" parts of the world.