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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker claims the US mission involves spreading its values and systems to other nations in a benevolent manner.
In plain terms
The US aims to spread its ways to others for their good.
What can you take from it?
National missions often justify expansion or influence.

Where it applies

  • colonial expansion
  • diplomatic relations
  • cultural export

Putting it to work

  • formulating foreign policy
  • justifying intervention
  • nation building

Questions to consider

  • Who defines what is benevolent?
  • Is assimilation ever truly voluntary?

Another view

Benevolent assimilation can mask coercion or cultural erasure.

More from William McKinley

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  3. When he received the cable from Admiral George Dewey reporting the capture of Manila, President William McKinley had to look up the location of the Philippines…

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