Case Study 1 Jules Ferry

Chamberlain College of Nursing

According to Ferry, what recent developments in world trade have made it urgent for France to have colonies?

The phenomenon of the Western imperialism is not new. Itis aprocess of which according to colonizers aims to civilized the people of under-developed countries. According to Ferry, there were many economic concerns which urge them to expend colonies in the world. The hidden purpose of this expansion was to get the maximum economic benefits. Through the expansion of French colonies all around the world, France became able to expand its trade with other countries. The most important fact in this regard was that foreign policies of powerful countries became cause of this expansion.

It was important for France to have outlets for its export. The major industries of the country like textile industry had faced problem due to restrictions put by America and Germany. Germany and the United States had set up exchange obstacles. The Markets of France were not just contracting however being assumed control by “powerful states”. He expected that South America would be controlled by North America one day, and in this manner safety measures must be taken against it. He had the view that it was the responsibility of superior races than socialize the inferior races.

He utilized this as an approach to legitimize the colonization of African Countries. Jules believed that circumstances became different, warships could not convey over two weeks of coal, vessel without coal is wreck, and keeping in mind the end goal to have spots of supply and safe houses, we have to colonized African nations. His argument in the favor for expansion of imperialism can be estimated on the grounds of moral values and economic benefits of the country as well. He used both approaches for convincing the public.

What arguments against imperialism have been raised by Ferry’s critics? How does he counter them?

The speech of Ferry had faced much criticism which was based on different grounds. The matter of the fact is that besides all good will of Ferry which was based on prosperity of public. He had to criticism. He was criticized on the basis that he wanted to make slaves. He was in the favor of slavery. He considered himself as owner of human rights. These are two points which comprehensively showed criticism. The criticism was based on two grounds, economic and moral grounds. According to M. De Guilloutet “this is a justification of slavery and the slave trade.”

On the other hand, in economic terms, it was not good to imposed economic rules over Africa. According to M. Georges Perin, “you cannot bring about commerce by force.” These were brief points of criticism. On the other hand, Ferry logically defended his point of view on both the grounds. He had the view that as a superior race in the world, this was their moral responsibility to educate the brutes of Africa. They had good moral values and should educate them. He declared that as a superior race “They have the duty to civilize inferior races.”

He made his point clear by adding more references from political side as well. He argued that this expansion of imperialism gave them power and authority in the world. This expansion provided a room for growing population of the country. They became more able to secure themselves. He had the point that this approach must be adopted because it was a necessity of the current time. It was the matter of patriotic spirit. All these policies were in the favor of Africans and for France as well.

What non-economic arguments does Ferry offer in favor of imperialism?

There were standpoints in his speech which shed light about the logic behind imperialism in the country. He considered this practice as their moral responsibility to civilize the uncivilized nations of the country. Another non-economic purpose was to get the political power in the world. He believed that his kin are an unrivaled race, and have a directly over the “inferior races”. This right, he said, originates from the obligation to cultivate the “superior races”.

He said that the Spanish warriors who presented subjugation in Central America were wrongful, and consequently did not satisfy their obligation to edify the mediocre races. Rather, the obligation involves liberality and truthfulness, and along these lines is a method for enhancing the lives of the sub-par races, rather than manhandling them. This gathered obligation made colonization of the African nations appear like the honorable thing to do.