The 19th century was a period of significant change and expansion for many nations. Among the various factors that influenced this expansion, the role of missionaries and the ideology of Social Darwinism played pivotal parts in shaping public opinion and justifying actions that led to widespread colonization.
Impact of Missionaries in the 19th Century
During the 19th century, Christian missionaries were notably active, venturing into uncharted territories with the aim of spreading their religious beliefs. Their interactions with native populations were not always peaceful; on occasion, missionaries faced hostility, leading to instances of mistreatment and even murder. Despite the personal risks involved, these individuals were often steadfast in their commitment to their cause. However, their hardships did not go unnoticed by their home countries. Public sentiment frequently swayed towards protecting their compatriots abroad, which sometimes prompted governments to take drastic measures. Reports of missionaries being harmed were occasionally seized upon as reasons for military interventions, under the guise of safeguarding their citizens and promoting civilized behavior among indigenous peoples.
Social Darwinism and Racial Superiority
In conjunction with missionary endeavors, the period also saw the rise of Social Darwinism, an ideology that misapplied Charles Darwin’s theories of evolution to human societies. This belief system emphasized the ‘struggle for existence’ and ‘survival of the fittest,’ which some interpreted as a natural order that justified the domination of ‘superior’ races over ‘inferior’ ones. The concept of the white man’s burden became a prevalent justification for imperialism, suggesting that it was the duty of Europeans to rule over and civilize other races. This notion of racial superiority was openly endorsed by influential figures such as Cecil Rhodes, a prominent empire builder of the time. Rhodes famously expressed his view that the expansion of British territory was not only beneficial for the world but presumably aligned with divine will.
The Great Landgrab of the 19th Century
The amalgamation of economic ambitions, political strategies, and intellectual-psychological justifications culminated in an unprecedented era of territorial acquisition. This period is often characterized as the most extensive landgrab in history, surpassing even the conquests of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan. Nations, propelled by the desire for resources, strategic advantages, and a sense of racial duty, embarked on aggressive campaigns of colonization. This resulted in the vast expansion of empires, particularly those of European powers, and had long-lasting impacts on the geopolitical landscape and the societies that were colonized.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did the philosophy of Social Darwinism contribute to the foreign policies of imperialist nations during the 19th century?
2. In what ways did the activities of Christian missionaries influence the imperialistic ventures of their respective countries?
3. Can the impact of figures like Cecil Rhodes be seen as purely negative, or did they also contribute positively to the global development in any form?