Question

“I contend that we are the first race in the world, and the more of the world we inhabit the better it is for the human race… If there be a God, I think that what he would like me to do is to paint as much of the map of Africa British red as possible.”

According to this passage, which of the following best describes Rhodes’s view of British imperialism?

It is Britain’s duty to send manufactured goods to Africa.
God is opposed to the colonization of Africa.
It is Britain’s duty to spread European ways and customs around the world.
The British should be embarrassed by their dreams of a colonial empire.

Answer 1

It is Britain’s duty to spread European ways and customs around the world.

Explanation: Rhodes’s language asserts British racial superiority and endorses expanding British control over Africa as beneficial for humanity, implying a civilizing/imperial duty.