A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the sentiment of racial and cultural superiority experienced by the USA?

1. It justified wars against European nations

2. It fueled arguments for expansionism and imperialism

3. It led to increased isolationism

4. It was a reaction to immigration trends

The correct answer is: It fueled arguments for expansionism and imperialism

The sentiment of racial and cultural superiority in the United States significantly contributed to arguments for expansionism and imperialism, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This belief was rooted in concepts such as Manifest Destiny, which held that Americans were destined to expand across the continent, and later, the idea of American Exceptionalism, which posited that the U.S. had a unique mission to spread democracy and civilization. Supporters of expansionism often argued that it was their duty to bring "civilization" to supposedly "inferior" races and cultures, reflecting a mindset that deemed American culture as superior to others. This ideation justified actions such as the annexation of territories, involvement in foreign conflicts, and the establishment of colonies, which were viewed as part of a moral imperative to uplift and educate other nations. While the other choices touch on important historical contexts, they don't encapsulate the driving sentiment of racial and cultural superiority with the same alignment as the argument for expansionism and imperialism does. For instance, while there were elements of isolationism in American policy, they do not necessarily stem from a feeling of racial superiority. Similarly, while immigration did provoke a reaction in terms of xenophobia and cultural anxiety, it