Which Reverend argued for the duty of American Protestants to assist less fortunate nations in his 1885 work?

Josiah Strong is recognized for advocating the idea that American Protestants had a moral obligation to help less fortunate nations, a theme central to his 1885 work "Our Country: Its Possible Future and Its Present Crisis." In this work, Strong emphasized the importance of evangelism and the concept of American exceptionalism, arguing that the United States had a divine duty to spread its values, including Christianity and democracy, to other nations. His perspective was shaped by the social and religious upheavals of the time, including the influence of the Social Gospel movement, which sought to apply Christian ethics to social problems.

Strong's argument was reflective of a broader sentiment during the late 19th century when many Americans believed in a paternalistic approach to foreign relations, positioning themselves as stewards responsible for uplifting others. This mindset was also linked to industrial expansion and imperialism, as many viewed foreign aid and missionary work as ways to fulfill the nation's destiny while simultaneously promoting American interests abroad.