What was the underlying belief behind the "White Man's Burden" concept during imperialism?

The concept of "White Man's Burden" was rooted in the belief that it was the duty of Western nations, particularly those of European descent, to govern and educate non-Western societies. This idea stemmed from a sense of racial superiority, implying that white Europeans possessed a higher civilization that justified their intervention in the lives of people from other countries. Proponents argued that it was their moral responsibility to 'help' less developed nations, which they viewed as incapable of governing themselves effectively.

This belief played a significant role in shaping the attitudes and motivations of imperial powers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as they expanded their empires across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. It often led to paternalistic policies that disregarded the autonomy and cultures of colonized peoples. The "White Man's Burden" served as a justification for imperialism, as it framed colonial domination as a noble endeavor aimed at uplifting supposedly inferior societies, rather than as a pursuit driven by economic interests or the desire for land and resources.

In contrast, the other options reflect ideas that either challenge the notion of superiority or emphasize mutual respect and benefit, which were not part of the dominant imperialist ideology associated with the "White Man's Bur