Civilizing Mission

Definition

The civilizing mission refers to the justification used by European powers during the age of imperialism to rationalize their expansion into foreign territories. This ideology posited that European nations had a moral obligation to 'civilize' and uplift supposedly 'primitive' societies by spreading Western values, education, and religion, often disregarding the existing cultures and systems of those societies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of the civilizing mission was heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideals that emphasized reason, progress, and the belief in the superiority of Western culture.
2. European powers often used religious conversion as part of their civilizing mission, promoting Christianity as a means to achieve cultural assimilation.
3. The civilizing mission was frequently accompanied by violence and oppression, as indigenous populations resisted colonial rule and were often met with military force.
4. This ideology led to significant cultural changes and disruptions in colonized societies, with local traditions being marginalized or erased.
5. Critics of the civilizing mission argue that it was a guise for exploitation, as imperial powers sought economic gain under the pretense of benevolence.

Review Questions

• How did the civilizing mission serve as a justification for European imperialism?
  • The civilizing mission served as a justification for European imperialism by framing the expansion into foreign territories as a moral obligation to uplift and enlighten supposedly 'backward' societies. European powers claimed that they had a duty to spread their culture, values, and religion, often depicting themselves as benevolent saviors. This ideology allowed them to rationalize not only their colonial conquests but also the often brutal means employed in asserting control over indigenous populations.
• Analyze the impact of the civilizing mission on indigenous cultures during the period of imperialism.
  • The impact of the civilizing mission on indigenous cultures was profound and often devastating. As European powers implemented their ideologies, local customs, languages, and traditions were frequently suppressed or entirely erased. The push for Western education and values led to a loss of cultural identity among many indigenous peoples. This resulted in long-lasting effects on social structures and community cohesion, leaving legacies of disruption that can still be felt today.
• Evaluate how the civilizing mission contributed to contemporary discussions about colonialism and its legacies.
  • The civilizing mission continues to influence contemporary discussions about colonialism by highlighting the contradictions between purported benevolence and actual exploitation. Scholars analyze how this ideology justified oppressive policies while claiming to promote progress and civilization. The legacies of the civilizing mission are evident in ongoing issues related to cultural preservation, identity, and reparations for historical injustices. This critical evaluation encourages a reexamination of narratives surrounding colonization and challenges prevailing assumptions about Western superiority.

Related terms

Imperialism: The policy or practice of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

Colonialism: The practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Social Darwinism: A belief that applied Darwin's theories of natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies, often used to justify imperialist policies and racial superiority.