20. EMPIRE AND WARS, 1898

Quiz for Guided Analysis Document 20.1 Rudyard Kipling, “The White Man’s Burden,” 1899

Quiz for Guided Analysis Document 20.1: Rudyard Kipling, “The White Man’s Burden,” 1899

Choose the best answer to each question.

1. Why did Rudyard Kipling choose to use the term “burden” to describe the process of imperialism?

Kipling opposed the process and wanted to warn the Americans against imperialism.

Kipling believed imperialism was a worthy, yet difficult, obligation of the West.

Kipling thought that the weak United States would not succeed at imperialism as Britain had.

Kipling warned that the benefits of imperialism would not outweigh the difficulties.

2. What does Kipling’s language imply that he felt towards the people of colonized nations?

Empathy

Compassion

Love

Derision

3. Why was Kipling’s nationality significant as he encouraged America to participate in the process of imperialism?

England governed the largest empire in the world.

England was trying to get rid of its empire.

England wanted America to colonize so it would be weaker.

England wanted to trade with the American colonies.

4. What does Kipling promise will come with American imperialism?

A weakened nation

The respect of others

A more powerful navy

Economic prosperity

5. Why was the timing of Kipling’s poem in 1899 significant within the historical context of the period?

It encouraged imperialism at a time when support was dwindling.

It promised British support in the Philippine conflict.

It signaled the weakening of the British Empire.

It provided fodder for the American anti-imperialists.

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