What ideology does the term "White Man's Burden" refer to in the context of imperialism?

The term "White Man's Burden" refers to the belief that it was the duty of Westerners, particularly Europeans and Americans, to civilize non-Western peoples. This ideology emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period characterized by European imperialism and colonial expansion. Proponents viewed colonization as a moral obligation, framing the subjugation and control of other nations as a means of spreading Western culture, religion, and governance to supposedly 'backward' societies.

This concept was often used to justify imperialism, suggesting that Western nations had a paternalistic responsibility to educate and uplift the populations of colonized territories. The phrase was popularized by Rudyard Kipling’s poem, which articulated this sense of duty as a burdensome yet noble task.

The other choices present alternative viewpoints that do not align with the underlying principles of "White Man's Burden." The notion that race should not determine power highlights beliefs in equality and anti-racism, while the idea that all cultures are inherently equal promotes cultural relativism, contradicting the fundamentally hierarchical perspective of "White Man's Burden." Lastly, the teaching of local customs abroad implies a respect for indigenous practices that counters the imposition of Western norms intended