French premier Jules Ferry justifies imperial expansion, by Ari Sclar
- Ari Sclar
- Apr 7, 2018
- 1 min read
"Yes, what is needed for our great industry...is export markets. Why? Because our neighbor Germany is surrounded by barriers and across the ocean, the United States of America has become protectionists...making access more difficult for our industrial products. Also, these great states are beginning to pour products never before seen into our own markets...
It must be stated publicly, that, in effect, superior races have rights over inferior races...
[France] cannot be merely a free country, she must also be a mighty country, exercising all of her rightful influence over the destiny of Europe, that she ought to spread this influence throughout the world, and carry everywhere possible her language, her customs, her flag, her weapons, and her genius."
- Jules Ferry, premier of France
"Speech before the French National Assembly, 1883"
Answer both of the following
Cite any sentence that makes an economic argument for imperialism
Cite any sentence that makes the White Man's Burden argument for imperialism
Why does Ferry state that France "must also be a mighty country"? What recent events and developments may be influencing this attitude?
Based on the above excerpt, does Ferry believe that the human race is progressing to a better future? Make sure to cite specific words that justify and explain your response.
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