What theory justified American expansionism in the late 19th century?

The theory that justified American expansionism in the late 19th century is rooted in the concept of "The White Man's Burden." This idea, popularized by Rudyard Kipling in his poem of the same name, suggested that it was the responsibility of white Westerners to civilize and educate non-Western peoples. Advocates of this belief argued that American expansion into territories such as the Philippines and Puerto Rico was not merely for territorial gain but also a moral obligation to uplift and modernize other cultures. This perspective framed imperialism as a benevolent act, masking underlying motives of economic exploitation and strategic advantage.

While "Manifest Destiny" was a significant concept earlier in the 19th century, it primarily referred to the continental expansion of the United States across North America. By the late 19th century, the focus had shifted to overseas territories, making "The White Man's Burden" a more contextually relevant justification for that period's expansionism.

"Social Darwinism," although a prevalent theory at the time, focused more on the application of Darwinian concepts of survival and competition to human societies, influencing views on race and imperialism but lacking the specific moral framing of civilizing duties. "Economic Imperialism" emphasizes the economic