How did U.S. views on imperialism reflect changing attitudes toward race and culture in the early 20th century?

The answer is that U.S. views on imperialism in the early 20th century often reflected a belief in a civilizing mission, which was rooted in prevailing attitudes about race and culture at that time. Many American imperialists believed that the United States had a moral obligation to spread its values, political systems, and economic practices to what they perceived as "less developed" nations. This ideology was tied to a sense of racial superiority, wherein imperialists justified their actions by claiming that they were bringing progress, civilization, and enlightenment to other cultures.

This perspective was heavily influenced by Social Darwinism, which fostered the idea that certain races were more evolved than others, thus rationalizing the domination of these races by those deemed superior. Such beliefs underpinned many imperialistic actions, including the annexation of territories and interventions in foreign affairs, as proponents viewed these as benevolent acts aimed at uplifting those they considered inferior.

In contrast, other options reflect views that did not align with the dominant attitudes of the time. Promoting alliances with indigenous cultures and encouraging the preservation of local traditions would suggest a respect for cultural autonomy that was largely absent from the imperialist mindset. Similarly, advocating for cultural exchange and understanding would imply a belief in equality among cultures