1st question EL: In the speech delivered by Jules Ferry, titled "Defense of French Imperialism, several arguments are presented as to why the French should continue their imperialization of the world. Ferry contends that imperialism has three aspects: economic, civlization of other colonies, and political.
Ferry argues that the economic reason for imperializing areas likes Africa is because of the necessity for export markets. He further contends that there is also a moral duty of the French to civilize "inferior races" to the French. And lastly, he argues that France needs to maintain its political power in the world and imperialism can help this happen.
After reading the speech, I noticed that in every argument Ferry presented in the defense of imperialism he compared France to other leading European states as well as the U.S.. When he discusses export markets he mentioned Germany's and the United States export markets around the world and how France needs to compete with them.
When Ferry explained the political reasons for imperialism he stated France needed colonies like Madagascar, Tunisia, and Saigon for example as protection and territory as well as political expansion because other European states have territory and expansion and therefore are a threat. Do you think that imperialism/colonization from European countries was fueled by competition between the European states alone?
Was the fight for colonies and control of other lands solely due to center nations competing?
2nd question CD: In the reading, "Defense of French Imperialism" by Jules Ferry, on the second page is this quote "... Gentlemen, I must speak from a higher more truthful plane. It must be stately openly that, in effect superior races have rights over inferior races".
I understand that during this time that most European countries had the manpower, capital, and intelligence. But why do you think that the men during this time believed that they were the more superior race?
Attachment:- defense_of_french_imperialism.rar