Final answer:
In the sentence provided, the correct word to complete the sentence is 'attack.' 'Assail' means to attack, often violently, which matches the context of the sentence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for the correct word to complete the sentence: Some were known to assail it violently as an example of __________. Out of the options provided, the correct word to complete this sentence is 'attack.' When you 'assail' something, it means you attack it, often violently. Therefore, the sentence reads as: Some were known to assail it violently as an example of attack.
The context provided in the excerpts seems to refer to military or historical scenarios, such as wartime strategies and responses to imperialism. However, these contexts do not directly relate to finding the word to complete the above sentence, which is primarily an exercise in English vocabulary.