How Did Pearson Justify Imperialism?

In the late 19th century, two prominent British imperialists delivered speeches that aimed to substantiate the imperialist endeavors of the British Empire. One speech drew upon Social Darwinism, while the other emphasized the indispensable role of vast territories in sustaining the British Empire and preventing its demise. Joseph Chamberlain, delivering speeches in the British Parliament, justified British occupation in Asia and Africa. These speeches were subsequently transcribed and compiled into a record titled "Foreign and Colonial Speeches" (1897). Karl Pearson, on the other hand, expounded his support for Social Darwinism during a lecture to students.

Born in 1836 to a prosperous middle-class shoemaking family in England, Joseph Chamberlain was influenced by the robust liberal traditions associated with Birmingham shoemakers. Advocating reform in the British Parliament, Chamberlain contended that the occupation of Asia and Africa significantly bolstered the British economy and the well-being of
As an eugenicist, Pearson sought to justify war on nations deemed "inferior races," aligning himself with the tenets of Social Darwinism. During a lecture, he justified colonization by asserting that societies in the New World were less advanced than the white race, and without their influence, these regions would not have attained civilization. Pearson condemned racial mixing and criticized the mixed population in South America, deeming the Native race as contributing nothing substantial to the world. Utilizing Australia as an example, he argued that the Native population lacked the ability to farm the land without European intervention. Pearson praised the white race as the fittest due to their advancements beyond primitive living, expressing concerns that collaboration with other races would impede progress by terminating natural