Albert Beveridge and Henry Van Dyke, while having opposing views on U.S. imperialism, shared certain underlying beliefs about the people in African and Asian territories.
Beveridge, a proponent of imperialism, often characterized the people in colonized areas as needing guidance and civilization. He used terms that suggested a paternalistic view, depicting these populations as "barbaric" or "savage," implying they were uncivilized and in need of the U.S. influence to elevate them to a higher standard of living and governance.
In contrast, Henry Van Dyke, while he also supported American expansion, had a more empathetic approach. He emphasized a sense of moral responsibility towards these populations. Van Dyke described the people in a way that recognized their potential and humanity, suggesting they had their own values and cultures that deserved respect. His language often leaned toward portraying them as "noble" in their struggles, arguing that they could share in the benefits of American ideals.
Despite their contrasting views on imperialism, both Beveridge and Van Dyke spoke from a position that framed the people of these territories as in need of assistance, with Beveridge often emphasizing their inadequacies and Van Dyke recognizing a higher intrinsic value and potential within those societies.
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