Question

Which answer choice BEST explains Twain's view of American expansionism?

Answer 1

Answer:

D)  He believed the country ignored the interests of other peoples and the  common good, instead focusing on its own global standing.

Explanation:

Samuel Langhorne Clements, a.k.a. Mark Twain discusses his opinion of the purchase of the Philippine Islands by the United States in his "Mark Twain in Clover / Joseph in the Land of Cornbread and Chicken." And in his quote, he seems to be critical of the way the US dealt with or chose to get the island which is not based on the good of the people but merely a desire to be at par with the European nations.

Twain comments, "It was just a  case of this country buying its way into good society. . . . [the US] just wanted to be like the aristocratic  countries of Europe which have possessions in foreign waters." He even seems to suggest the absurd and hilarious motive behind the purchase, comparing it to "an American heiress  buying a Duke or an Earl." This shows his real opinion of the exchange, which he believed to be done solely on the pretext of being victorious over Spain and freeing the oppressed but in reality, a means to be on par with other European nations.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.