The White Man’s Burden

In the late 19th century, the interest of the American public shifted from industrialization and urbanization to one focused on a pro-imperialist position. Americans believed that becoming an empire would improve economic prosperity, increase military expansion and protection, and boost missionary activity . This desire for power soon became a reality as a result of the Spanish-American War wherein the United States acquired the Philippines. Through world fairs in the late 19th century and the early 20th century, the United States further influenced the American mindset that possessing imperial power was benevolent and necessary. The St. Louis Exposition world fair is amongst these, not to mention the largest of its time. The exhibits at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition give explanation for the United States transition as a nation to an empire by emphasizing the need for civilization of all humanity. Hence, a burden was bestowed upon the most ...