Glossary
Civilizing Mission
A justification for imperialism claiming that Western powers had a moral obligation to 'civilize' and uplift 'backward' peoples by introducing Western culture, education, and institutions. In reality, it often led to exploitation and cultural suppression.
Example:
French colonial officials often spoke of their civilizing mission when establishing schools and legal systems in their West African colonies, despite the underlying economic exploitation.
Imperialism
A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means. It often involves the domination of one nation over another's political, economic, or cultural life.
Example:
During the 19th century, European powers engaged in intense competition for colonies in Africa, a period often referred to as the Scramble for Africa, demonstrating widespread imperialism.
Mission Civilisatrice
The specific French term for their 'civilizing mission,' reflecting their belief in their unique role to spread French culture, language, and values to colonized peoples. It was a key ideological justification for French imperialism.
Example:
The French government's efforts to establish French-language schools in Indochina were part of their broader mission civilisatrice, aiming to assimilate local populations into French culture.
Nationalism
A strong sense of pride in and devotion to one's nation, often accompanied by a belief in its superiority over other nations. It fueled competition and the desire for territorial expansion during the age of imperialism.
Example:
The intense nationalism in Germany before World War I contributed to its desire for a larger colonial empire to rival Britain and France.
Phrenology
A discredited pseudo-science that attempted to determine character, personality traits, and intelligence by measuring the shape and size of the skull. It was used to reinforce racist ideas about racial superiority and inferiority.
Example:
Some 19th-century scientists used phrenology to 'prove' that certain non-European races were intellectually inferior based on skull measurements, despite its lack of scientific basis.
Religious Conversion
The act of changing one's religious belief or the process of persuading someone to change their religion. During imperialism, it was a justification for expansion, aiming to spread Christianity to non-Christian populations.
Example:
Many missionaries traveled with colonial expeditions, believing their role was to bring about religious conversion among indigenous populations, often viewing local spiritual practices as 'primitive'.
Social Darwinism
A misapplication of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution to human society, suggesting that some races and nations are inherently superior and destined to dominate others. It was used to justify social inequality and imperial expansion.
Example:
Proponents of Social Darwinism might argue that the British Empire's vast reach was simply a natural outcome of its 'superior' civilization and military strength.