When Europeans Created Racial Classification Systems in the 18th Century

question 8

Multiple Choice

When Europeans created racial classification systems in the 18th century, they

• A) were trying to confront and combat their own racism
• B) came to the conclusion that all people groups have the same capacities but developed differently for historical and geographic reasons
• C) began to recognize the superiority of non-whites and so quickly stopped their project, fearful of the political repercussions
• D) consistently placed Europeans at the top of their racial hierarchies

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Definitions:

Radical

Individuals or movements favoring major or fundamental changes in political, economic, or social conditions.

Pacific Region

An extensive area consisting of the Pacific Ocean and its surrounding lands, encompassing numerous islands and countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

Nineteenth Century

Refers to the years from 1801 to 1900, marking the 19th century, a period characterized by significant technological, social, and political changes worldwide.

Insular Cases

A series of early 20th-century Supreme Court decisions that determined the application of U.S. law in territories acquired after the Spanish-American War.