Final answer:
Cecil John Rhodes believed that Britain should pursue imperialism to expand British territory, utilize Africa's resources, promote British superiority, and fulfill the perceived duty to civilize other parts of the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Cecil John Rhodes, Britain should pursue a policy of imperialism for a number of reasons. A firm believer in British superiority and the virtues of imperialism, Rhodes was heavily influenced by the idea that the British race was the finest in the world, and therefore, its expansion across the globe would be beneficial.
Rhodes advocated for imperialism under the belief that it was Britain's destiny and duty to civilize other parts of the world, often referred to as the 'White Man's Burden' or the 'Civilizing Mission'. He aimed to extend British influence and provide room for Anglo-Saxons to grow in number. This concept of superiority was not only specific to Rhodes but also echoed the broader European and American sentiment of the time.
Moreover, Rhodes's goals included harnessing the potential of Africa's mineral wealth and establishing a Cape to Cairo railway to consolidate British territories, thereby making governance and settlement more efficient. The British government supported this endeavor as a strategic method for controlling Central Africa against other European powers' claims.
In essence, Rhodes's motives encompassed expanding British territory for commercial and strategic purposes, alongside the belief in a racial hierarchy that obliged Britain to civilize other nations.