Divine Mission

Definition

Divine Mission refers to the belief that certain nations, particularly European powers, were chosen by God to spread their civilization and religious beliefs to other parts of the world. This ideology played a significant role in justifying imperialism, as it framed the domination of foreign lands as a moral obligation to civilize and evangelize others.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The idea of Divine Mission was heavily promoted during the Age of Imperialism, particularly in the 19th century, as nations sought to expand their empires.
2. Supporters of Divine Mission argued that colonization was a benevolent act aimed at uplifting 'lesser' societies through education, religion, and modernization.
3. Christian missionaries played a significant role in promoting the concept of Divine Mission, often accompanying imperialists to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity.
4. Critics of Divine Mission highlighted its hypocrisy, pointing out that imperialist actions often led to exploitation and oppression rather than genuine upliftment.
5. The belief in Divine Mission contributed to racial and cultural hierarchies, positioning Western civilization as superior and justifying the subjugation of various peoples worldwide.

Review Questions

• How did the belief in Divine Mission influence the justification for imperialism during the 19th century?
  • The belief in Divine Mission influenced imperialism by framing colonization as a moral imperative. Proponents argued that it was their divine duty to civilize 'backward' societies, which made the expansion of empires appear righteous. This ideology encouraged nations to pursue aggressive foreign policies under the guise of spreading civilization and Christianity, thus legitimizing their imperial ambitions.
• Analyze the relationship between Divine Mission and other contemporary ideologies such as Manifest Destiny and White Man's Burden.
  • Divine Mission is closely linked to Manifest Destiny and White Man's Burden, as all three concepts justify expansionist actions through a perceived moral duty. Manifest Destiny reflects a similar belief in America's divine right to expand across North America, while White Man's Burden articulates a responsibility felt by Europeans and Americans to bring their culture to others. Together, these ideologies reveal a common thread of paternalism that underpinned imperialistic actions throughout history.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Divine Mission on global relations and perceptions of cultural superiority.
  • The long-term impacts of Divine Mission have been profound in shaping global relations and perceptions of cultural superiority. This ideology fostered deep-rooted ethnocentrism, where Western civilizations considered themselves superior, leading to systemic inequalities that persist today. The legacies of imperialism rooted in Divine Mission continue to influence international relations, cultural exchanges, and debates about cultural hegemony, illustrating how historical beliefs can shape modern worldviews and interactions among nations.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny:

A 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable, often linked to the idea of a divine right to spread democracy and civilization.

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically, often justified by claims of a civilizing mission.

White Man's Burden:

A concept suggesting that it was the duty of European and American civilizations to bring their culture and governance to less developed regions, often used to justify imperialism.