What ideology suggested that certain nations were superior and destined to rule over others?

The correct answer is grounded in the concept of Social Darwinism, which applied Charles Darwin's ideas about natural selection to human societies and nations. This ideology suggested that just as species evolve and compete for survival, so too do nations. Proponents of Social Darwinism believed that some nations were inherently superior to others and therefore had a 'natural' right to dominate or control less developed or weaker nations. This belief was used to justify imperialistic ventures and colonization, as it framed such actions as a part of a larger natural order where stronger nations would ultimately prevail, benefiting humanity as a whole by spreading their culture and governance.

This notion was widely incorporated into the political and social discourse of the time, influencing policies and attitudes toward imperialism, as seen in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when European empires and the United States expanded their territories. In contrast to other ideologies listed, such as nationalism, which focuses more on a focus on national identity and pride, or humanitarianism, emphasizing concern for human welfare, Social Darwinism explicitly advocated for the superiority of certain nations over others as a justification for imperialistic actions.