🇺🇸ap us history review

Civilizing mission

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

The ideological justification that Western nations, particularly the United States, had a moral duty to spread their culture, religion, and institutions to less developed regions.

AP course connection

Topic 7.2: 7.2 Imperialism: Debates

Unit 7