Question

Which of the following best describes the general attitude of many Americans toward imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?(1 point)
Responses

Many Americans opposed imperialism, believing it contradicted the nation's democratic principles.
Many Americans opposed imperialism, believing it contradicted the nation's democratic principles.

Most Americans were indifferent to imperialism and focused solely on domestic issues.
Most Americans were indifferent to imperialism and focused solely on domestic issues.

Americans believed that imperialism was primarily a European issue and did not involve the United States.
Americans believed that imperialism was primarily a European issue and did not involve the United States.

A large portion of the American public supported imperialism, seeing it as a way to spread democracy and American values.
A large portion of the American public supported imperialism, seeing it as a way to spread democracy and American values.

Answer 1

A large portion of the American public supported imperialism, seeing it as a way to spread democracy and American values.

Brief rationale: During the late 1800s and early 1900s (e.g., Spanish–American War, annexation of the Philippines and Hawaii), expansionist ideas—driven by economic interests, naval strategy (Mahan), missionary zeal, and notions like the “white man’s burden”—had broad popular support, though a notable anti‑imperialist minority opposed it.