Final answer:
The development of anthropology in the United States was urged by a need to understand diverse cultures, the active roles anthropologists played post-WWII, and the evolution from ethnocentric models to inclusive frameworks. The reassessment by Native scholars and the role of ethnology in illuminating Indigenous cultures' relationships and migrations also contributed to its urgency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The urgency to develop anthropology in the United States arose from a need to understand the complexity and diversity of cultures at a time when there was a predominant focus on studying Native Americans. This urgency mirrored a broader acknowledgment of the importance of considering cultural change through time, as emphasized by scholars like Willis, who faced challenges in studying Black culture due to the existing anthropological focus of the period.
Anthropology's importance increased significantly after World War II, with anthropologists taking part in public and private health initiatives and influencing the fields of human rights and biomedical practices. This related to the broader scope of anthropology's application to global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where anthropologists like Mark Nichter observed differences in attitudes and responses to the disease across different countries.
The evolution of anthropological thought has also been critical, moving away from earlier ethnocentric models such as Tylor's stages of cultural development to a more inclusive understanding of cultures on their own terms. Critical reassessment of the discipline, notably by Native scholars in the 1960s, prompted many to question the application of academic frameworks over native voices. Furthermore, the field of anthropology, particularly branches like ethnology, has played a pivotal role in understanding relationships among Indigenous societies and illuminating historical migration patterns.