Question

Read the following excerpt from British poet rudyard Kipling's "the white man's burden," written in 1899. what does the excerpt suggest about European imperialism during the late 19th century?

take up the white man's burden-
the savage wars of peace-
fill full the moth of famine
and bid the sickness cease;
and when you goal Is nearest
the end for others sought,
watch sloth and heathen folly
bring all your hopes to nought.

A. Europeans hoped to fight in wars to rid the world of savage foreigners
B. Europeans believed in helping foreign peoples fight wars against imperial powers
C. Europeans believed that foreign peoples would benefit from being conquered
D. Europeans planned to use famine and disease as weapons against conquered people
​

Answer 1

The excerpt suggests that European imperialism during the late 19th century was driven by the belief that foreign peoples would benefit from being conquered and brought under the influence of Western civilization. Option C is a correct choice.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt suggests that European imperialism during the late 19th century was based on the belief that foreign peoples would benefit from being conquered. The speaker in the poem suggests that it is the responsibility of the white conquerors to bring civilization and benefits such as peace, an end to famine, and the eradication of sickness to the conquered people. The phrase 'the savage wars of peace' implies that the Europeans viewed their military actions as necessary for achieving peace and stability in the regions they colonized.