Question

It was the task of civilization to put an end to slavery, to establish Courts of Law, to teach the natives a sense of individual responsibility, of liberty, and of justice, and to teach their rulers how to apply these principles; above all, to see to it that the system of education should be such as to produce happiness and progress. I am confident that the verdict of history will award high praise to the efforts and achievements of Great Britain in the discharge of these great responsibilities…

–Frederick Lugard, 1923

Which best summarizes the author’s feelings about British imperialism?

Indigenous people and their rulers embraced the many benefits of imperialism.
Indigenous people praised Great Britain for bringing them happiness and progress.
Imperialism was an honorable enterprise that improved life for Indigenous cultures.
Imperialism empowered Indigenous people to rule themselves as they saw fit.

Answer 1

Imperialism was an honorable enterprise that improved life for Indigenous cultures.

Explanation: Lugard frames British rule as a civilizing mission—ending slavery, establishing law, teaching responsibility and education—and predicts history will praise Britain’s achievements, showing he views imperialism positively.