Discussion

Explanation:

The author indicates this in the third paragraph: “The white man's burden came up as a new moral rationale for conquest. It was supposedly for the good of the conquered.” That is summed up in option 1 (claim to … ensuring the good of the natives).
Resource drain as a reason (option 3) has not been cited in this regard. Yes, the French and American revolutions had an influence and open looting by that time had become impossible but the best answer remains option 1 and that is why that supposed ‘good’ is called a burden.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

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