Dbq Imperialism In Africa

The textbook definition of “industrialized” contains descriptors that emphasize its modern context, manipulating words such as ‘streamlined’ and ‘mechanized’. In relation to the Industrial Revolution, the same vein ethnocentrism, within the framework of an automated culture, surfaced. With the influence of this self-importance on imperialism in Africa, ideas of The White Man’s Burden and religious superiority as a justification of expansion, as well as political competitiveness in the form of barbaric tendencies, evolved and repressed the African people rapidly. The Industrial Revolution, occurring from around 1760-1820, was the development of a technologically advanced society. As modern ideals swept Europe, a global advancement in a manufactured economy drove countries to keep up with leading nations and competitors. “Once the status of great power …show more content…
The idea that Europe was a radical, cutting edge civilization created a sense of supremacy over less developed nations. They believed Africa to be so outdated that the natives could not even be considered modern men. In fact, they were not considered men at all. The explorers rationalized their corruption of this preoccupied land through the transfer from human status, to that of a wild animal. (Document P) Through the perspective of the Europeans, the seemingly underdeveloped Africa was in need of saving, and with their lavish machinery, they were the perfect nation to graciously come forth and salvage the remains of Africa and claim their habitat. “Take up the White Man’s burden, send forth the best ye breed, go bind your sons to exile, to serve your captives’ need; to wait in heavy harness, on fluttered folk and wild-your new caught sullen peoples, half devil and half-child…” (Document P) The animalistic tone of the words exposed the way they spoke of the Africans with condescending pity, and then acted accordingly. (Document