Question

question 9 of 10

why did imperialists support sending missionary organizations abroad?

a. because they would make it easier to establish new markets in foreign countries
b. because they would make the colonization process less expensive
c. because they would reduce the potential for conflict with other countries
d. because they would reduce interference with other cultures

Explanation:

Analyze the connection between imperialism and missionary work

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, US Imperialism was driven by economic, political, and cultural motives. Imperialists supported sending missionary organizations abroad because they believed that spreading Western culture, values, and religion would help "civilize" foreign populations. This cultural assimilation made foreign populations more receptive to American presence, governance, and trade.

Evaluate the economic and cultural alignment

By introducing Western lifestyles, education, and standards of living, missionaries created a demand for American goods. This cultural integration paved the way for economic expansion, making it significantly easier for American businesses to establish new commercial markets in those foreign countries.

Assess the incorrect options

• Option B is incorrect because sending missionaries did not directly reduce the massive military or administrative costs of colonization.
• Option C is incorrect because imperialist expansion and missionary work often increased, rather than reduced, geopolitical tensions and local resistance.
• Option D is incorrect because missionary work was designed to actively intervene in and change local cultures, rather than reduce interference.

Answer:

• (A) Because they would make it easier to establish new markets in foreign countries (Correct answer)
• (B) Because they would make the colonization process less expensive
• (C) Because they would reduce the potential for conflict with other countries
• (D) Because they would reduce interference with other cultures