Imperialism The White Mans Burden Historical Context European

Imperialism The “White Man’s Burden”

Historical Context: European Imperialism � Acquisition of colonies became part of the European power struggle. � No people could match western Europe’s power resources. � In the late nineteenth century, industrial growth and worldwide trade created among Europeans a new global competition for empire. � The search for vital raw materials, markets, and investments intensified economic outreach, leading to ruthless exploitation and domination. Perry, Peden and Von Laue. Sources of the Western Tradition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1999

Dividing the Globe � Thus started a frantic race to occupy the last unclaimed parts of the world. � The European powers began a “scramble for Africa. ” � In 1884 there was a conference in the German city of Berlin. � The European powers gathered there to discuss who would control which parts of Africa. � No African leaders were involved in the conference. Perry, Peden and Von Laue. Sources of the Western Tradition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1999

Imperialists vs Indigenous � The imperialists dominated their helpless subjects; all resistance was ruthlessly suppressed. � Convinced of their superiority, the imperialists often viewed those they were colonizing with disdain, dismissing their culture as barbaric. � Indigenous ways, not understood and generally disgusting to Europeans, provided a challenge to Western attitudes. Perry, Peden and Von Laue. Sources of the Western Tradition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1999

� Their reactions ranged from Social Darwinist racism to a patronizing conviction that they were obliged to civilize their subjects according to their own values. � For some, extending the benefits of imperial rule over “primitive” people was a source of deep patriotic pride. Perry, Peden and Von Laue. Sources of the Western Tradition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1999

White Man’s Burden Cartoon Detroit, Journal 1899

German Cartoon "Thus colonize the English. "

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