Which did Europeans use to justify imperialism in the late nineteenth century?

In the late nineteenth century, Europeans used several ideological and philosophical justifications to justify imperialism, the practice of extending a nation's power and influence through colonization and territorial acquisition. Some of the key justifications included:

1. Social Darwinism:

  - Social Darwinism, based on Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, was distorted and applied to human societies. Europeans argued that certain races and nations were more "fit" or advanced than others. This concept was misused to justify imperial domination, with the belief that stronger nations had a right to conquer and dominate weaker ones as part of a natural order.

2. White Man's Burden:

  - The notion of the "White Man's Burden" was popularized by Rudyard Kipling in a poem of the same name. It suggested that it was the moral duty of Europeans to civilize and uplift the supposedly less developed and "uncivilized" societies in Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world. This idea framed imperialism as a benevolent mission to bring progress, Christianity, and Western values to "backward" civilizations.

3. Civilizing Mission:

  - Europeans often framed their imperialistic endeavors as a "civilizing mission." They believed that their cultural, technological, and political superiority gave them the responsibility to bring enlightenment and modernity to less developed regions. The spread of European languages, religions, and institutions was seen as a positive force for progress.

4. Economic Interests:

  - Economic motives played a significant role in justifying imperialism. European powers sought to exploit the resources of colonized territories, establish trade routes, and secure markets for their goods. The economic benefits were often framed as not only serving the interests of the imperial powers but also as bringing prosperity and economic development to the colonized regions.

5. Nationalism:

  - Imperialism was also justified in the context of nationalism, with European nations seeking to expand their territories and influence as a way to assert dominance and prestige on the world stage. The acquisition of colonies was seen as a reflection of national strength and greatness.

6. Strategic and Military Considerations:

  - Geopolitical and military factors played a role, with European powers seeking to secure strategic locations, naval bases, and trade routes. The acquisition of territories was often justified as a means to enhance security and military power.

It's important to note that these justifications were often used to mask the exploitative and oppressive nature of imperialism, and they were widely criticized by various individuals and movements, both within Europe and in the colonized regions. The consequences of imperialism had profound and lasting effects on the colonized societies, shaping global geopolitics for decades to come.