Civilizing Mission

Definition

The Civilizing Mission was the belief that European powers had a moral duty to spread their culture, values, and religion to 'less civilized' societies, often justifying imperialism. This ideology fueled the expansion of empires, as it presented colonialism as a benevolent act rather than exploitation. It emphasized the perceived superiority of Western culture and often led to the suppression or alteration of indigenous practices and beliefs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Civilizing Mission was rooted in Enlightenment thinking that promoted reason and progress as universal ideals, leading many Europeans to believe they were helping other societies improve.
2. Christian missionary efforts were often a significant part of the Civilizing Mission, as they aimed to convert indigenous peoples and spread Christianity alongside European cultural practices.
3. This ideology contributed to the justification for various imperial actions, such as the colonization of Africa and parts of Asia during the late 19th century.
4. Critics of the Civilizing Mission argue that it served as a cover for economic exploitation and cultural destruction, as indigenous traditions were often suppressed in favor of European norms.
5. The legacy of the Civilizing Mission can still be seen today in ongoing discussions about cultural preservation and the impacts of colonialism on former colonies.

Review Questions

• How did the Civilizing Mission justify imperialism in the late 19th century?
  • The Civilizing Mission justified imperialism by framing colonial endeavors as a moral obligation for European powers to uplift 'less civilized' societies. It portrayed colonialism not as an act of domination but as a benevolent effort to spread Western values, culture, and religion. This narrative helped to gain public support for imperialist policies, masking the underlying motives of economic exploitation and territorial expansion.
• In what ways did the Civilizing Mission impact indigenous cultures during the period of European imperialism?
  • The Civilizing Mission significantly impacted indigenous cultures by promoting Western norms at the expense of local traditions. It led to the suppression of native languages, religious practices, and social structures. Educational systems were established that prioritized European history and values over indigenous knowledge, creating a lasting impact on cultural identity and societal structures in colonized regions.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Civilizing Mission on modern post-colonial societies.
  • The long-term effects of the Civilizing Mission on post-colonial societies include deep-seated issues related to cultural identity, language loss, and social inequality. Many countries are still grappling with the remnants of colonial policies that favored Western systems over indigenous practices. Additionally, this legacy fuels ongoing debates about cultural preservation, reparations, and the need for recognizing and valuing diverse histories and identities in a globalized world.

Related terms

Imperialism:

A policy or ideology where a country extends its power and influence over other nations or territories, often through conquest, colonization, or economic domination.

Cultural Hegemony: The dominance of one cultural group over others, often seen in the way imperial powers impose their values and beliefs on colonized societies.

Colonialism:

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