Introduction
During the colonial era, European powers occupied vast territories worldwide and established empires that lasted for centuries. The spread of Christianity, the need for economic development, and the importance of the white man’s civilizing mission were justifications used to support these empires. The General Act of the Congo Free State provides insight into the justifications and rationale behind European imperialism in Africa.
Discussion
The General Act of the Congo Free State, which was an agreement signed by multiple countries, had significant provisions related to trade, indigenous welfare, and protection of institutions. It outlawed differential vessel dues, declared that all flags had unrestricted access to the entire coast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and committed signatory nations to support the wellbeing of indigenous tribes and put an end to the slave trade (Blakemore, 2021). The Act also mandated the protection of institutions and endeavors engaged in religion, science, and charity to educate native peoples and give them the benefits of civilization.
The notion of civilization, crucial to European justifications for imperialism, is at the core of this document. Europeans viewed themselves as the guardians of civilization and saw their mission as bringing this civilization to the rest of the world (Blakemore, 2021). They believed non-European peoples lived in a state of barbarism and savagery and that European culture represented the pinnacle of human development. By spreading their values and institutions, Europeans believed they were improving the conditions of the world’s peoples and bringing them into the age of modernity.
The language of the General Act of the Congo Free State reflects justifications for imperialism. The belief that Europeans were responsible for educating and civilizing non-European peoples is reflected in the dedication to preserving and favoring institutions aimed at educating native peoples and bringing them into the fold of civilization. The Act stresses the need to raise the native tribes’ moral and material standards, indicating that Europeans thought their presence would bring prosperity and advancement to these areas.
At the same time, the General Act of the Congo Free State reflects the paternalistic attitude underpinning European imperialism. Europeans believed that they knew what was best for non-European peoples and had a responsibility to guide and direct them (Blakemore, 2021). This attitude is evident in the commitment to protecting and favoring institutions created to instruct native peoples. They thought non-European peoples required their leadership and that they were bringing enlightenment to the entire world.
The humanitarian justification of colonialism served as a means for European powers to retain control over the colonized areas while projecting a symbol of goodwill. The General Act of the Congo Free State is a prime example of this justification, as it aims to preserve the well-being of the native populations and protect them from slavery and the slave trade (Abdule and Jan, 2019). While there is no doubt that slave trade was an inhumane practice, Europeans frequently used the issue of slavery to support their imperial aspirations, portraying themselves as saviors rather than conquerors.
One of the main objectives of many European powers during the colonial period was the spread of Christianity. Protecting religious institutions and advancing religious education are mentioned in the General Act of the Congo Free State, which shows the desire of the European powers to spread Christianity among the native people (Abdule and Jan, 2019). Europeans saw the spread of Christianity among the colonized lands as a moral duty, and as such, their position in and control over these lands was justified.
Conclusion
In conclusion, European powers used a range of justifications to justify their empires to themselves. The General Act of the Congo Free State provides an example of the justification of European colonialism by presenting the idea of the civilizing mission. The European powers claimed they were bringing economic prosperity, spreading Christianity, promoting humanitarianism, and bringing civilization to the colonized territories. However, these justifications were frequently used to cover up the oppression and exploitation of the colonized people and uphold European supremacy over these areas.
References
Abdule, Sehaam, and Hendrik Valgaeren. 2019. “‘Congo Free State.” A Turbulent Case Study of Colonialism.” 1–55. Web.
Blakemore, Erin. 2021. “Colonialism Facts and Information.” Culture. National Geographic. Web.