The concept of “The White Man’s Burden,” which justified European imperialism, was popularized by which British writer?

Rudyard Kipling wrote “The White Man’s Burden” poem in 1899. It portrayed colonialism as a noble duty to civilize non-white people. This racist idea justified European imperialism across Africa and Asia.

Joseph Conrad wrote about colonialism critically in “Heart of Darkness.” H.G. Wells wrote science fiction, not colonial propaganda. Charles Dickens died before this phrase became popular.

Kipling’s poem became famous propaganda for imperial expansion. It claimed Europeans were selflessly helping “lesser” peoples, hiding the exploitation and violence.