Motives for British Imperialism

Motives for British Imperialism:

1. According to Halstead, why was Slavery in decline during the 1800’s? How did this effect British Imperialism?
   A: Slavery was in decline because Britain was attempting to end it after they realized with their type of economy having slaves was no longer beneficial. The British were attepmting to imperialize inorder to reduce the amount of slaver.
   

2. According to Halstead, what did not have an influence on Britain’s Imperialism? Why? Do you agree with this? A: The obligation to establish power was not a factor because Britain already was the most powerful country. Britain had a strong, robust navy and a very industrialized economy, making it a sturdy and powerful country. I believe that governments and countries desire more power. I think that it should stand as one of the factors that influenced imperialization of Britain.
   

3. How does Halstead’s belief differ from that of Richard Cobden and other’s economic reasons? A: Halstead says that Britain wanted to imperialize inorder to branch out to the less fortunate countries. He says it is an appendage of Britain's foreign policy while others lean towards the truth which they think its is used more for security(a.k.a. money).
   

4. What are Halstead’s final reasonings on motives for British Imperialism?
   A: British imperialism during the period of the "new imperialism" was motivated by
   several factors: national security, protecting free trade, protecting commercial routes,
   competition for markets and spheres of influence, settlement, colonization, diplomacy, andideology.

"White Man's Burden" By Rudyard Kipling

1. What does Kipling mean by "the White Man's burden?”

Kipling meant that "the White Man's Burden" is to Christianize the native people of the land that the colonies were to take over. He thinks that it's the White Man's destiny to rule all of the land and eventually turn one from savage person into a civilized person.

2. How does Kipling justify imperialism?

Rudyard Kipling justifies Imperialism by saying, in line 4, that it is "your captive's need" . In addition to that Kipling also says, in line nineteen, that they are going to "Fill full the mouth of Famine,". Rudyard makes Imperialism seem like a difficult task and that the White Man should be rewarded and praised for his hard work.

3. Why might such justification be so appealing?

This justification is appealing because at the time, Imperialism has become very rough and aggressive. This made all the cruelty from the settlers towards the natives in the colonies justified. It allowed the White Man basically, to feel that it was their right or that it was not wrong to treat these people wrongly.

4. Why was religion used as a justification over money, capitalism, the greater good and political strength?


Religion is used as a justification because they say that God intended the White Man to rule over all the natives. They also say that the natives are sinners and demons and the White Man will Christianize them and turn eventually grant them eternal life instead of being sentenced to damnation.