How did Europeans justify the subjugation of Africans and Natives?
White racial superiority, Bible, view of groups as “savages”
The justifications used by Europeans to subjugate Africans and Natives were based on the racial and cultural beliefs of the time, which included the idea of white racial superiority and the Christian doctrine of the “civilizing mission”. Europeans believed that they had a moral obligation to spread Christianity and Western civilization to other parts of the world, and saw themselves as superior to the “uncivilized” populations they encountered.
Some of the main justifications used by Europeans include:
1. Racial Superiority: Europeans believed that white people were a superior race and that it was their destiny to dominate and civilize other races. This belief was supported by pseudoscientific theories of racial hierarchies that had emerged in the 19th century.
2. Economic Exploitation: Europeans viewed Africa and the New World as a source of raw materials for their industries and as a new market for their goods. They believed that they had the right to exploit these resources for their own economic benefit.
3. Religious Mission: The Christian doctrine of the “civilizing mission” stated that it was the duty of European powers to bring Christianity and civilization to other parts of the world. Europeans believed that they were doing Africans and Natives a favor by converting them to Christianity and teaching them how to live a “civilized” life.
4. Social Darwinism: This theory applied Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to human societies, arguing that some races were naturally more advanced than others. This idea supported European imperialism and provided a justification for the subjugation of “inferior” races.
Overall, Europeans used a combination of racist, economic, religious, and even evolutionary justifications to subjugate the Africans and Natives they encountered. These beliefs were deeply ingrained in the cultural and political frameworks of the time, and it took decades of social and political activism to challenge and ultimately dismantle them.
More Answers:
The Impact of the Discovery of the Americas on the Economy and Society of Europe: The Rise of Capitalism, Expansion of Trade, and Emergence of a Global Economy.Impact of New Crops from the Americas on Europe: Economic, Dietary, Scientific, Cultural, and Political Perspectives
The Three G’s that Ignited European Exploration and Conquest: God, Gold, and Glory