Civilizing mission

Definition

The civilizing mission refers to the belief that colonial powers had a moral obligation to bring 'civilization' to so-called 'backward' societies through Western education, religion, and culture. This ideology was used to justify imperialism and colonial expansion by claiming that it would benefit the colonized people by improving their lives, despite often resulting in exploitation and oppression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The civilizing mission was a central justification for European powers during the 19th century when they expanded their empires across Africa and Asia.
2. Missionaries played a significant role in promoting the civilizing mission by spreading Christianity and Western values in colonized territories.
3. This ideology often led to the suppression of local cultures, languages, and religions as colonial authorities imposed Western norms.
4. The concept was deeply intertwined with ideas of racial superiority, which suggested that Europeans were inherently more civilized than those they colonized.
5. Critics of the civilizing mission argue that it often masked the economic exploitation and political domination inherent in colonial practices.

Review Questions

• How did the civilizing mission serve as a justification for imperialism during the 19th century?
  • The civilizing mission served as a powerful justification for imperialism by portraying colonial expansion as a moral obligation of European powers. By claiming that they were bringing 'civilization' to 'backward' societies, imperialists framed their actions as benevolent rather than exploitative. This ideology not only legitimized the subjugation of various cultures but also helped rally public support in Europe for colonial ventures.
• Discuss the impact of the civilizing mission on indigenous cultures and societies in colonized regions.
  • The impact of the civilizing mission on indigenous cultures was often devastating, leading to the erosion of local traditions, languages, and social structures. Colonial authorities imposed Western education and values, undermining traditional practices and creating a cultural hierarchy that favored European norms. As a result, many indigenous communities experienced loss of identity and autonomy, facing systemic oppression under colonial rule.
• Evaluate the legacy of the civilizing mission in contemporary discussions about nationalism and colonialism.
  • The legacy of the civilizing mission is still evident today in discussions about nationalism and colonialism, as it raises critical questions about cultural identity, historical memory, and post-colonial power dynamics. In many former colonies, there are ongoing struggles to reclaim indigenous identities that were suppressed under colonial rule. Additionally, debates continue regarding how colonial histories shape current national narratives and influence relationships between former colonizers and colonized nations.

Related terms

Imperialism: A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means, often justified by the belief in a civilizing mission.

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting its resources, often framed as part of a civilizing mission.

Eurocentrism: A worldview that centers on European culture and history as the primary standard of civilization, often dismissing other cultures as inferior.