Civilizing Mission

Definition

The civilizing mission refers to the belief that Western powers had a duty to bring 'civilization' and 'progress' to non-Western societies, often justifying imperialism and colonialism. This ideology underpinned various forced assimilation policies aimed at transforming Indigenous cultures, languages, and lifestyles into Euro-American norms, reflecting a paternalistic view that deemed Indigenous peoples as 'savage' or 'backward.'

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The civilizing mission was rooted in the belief that Western civilization was superior, which led to policies aimed at eradicating Indigenous cultures and languages.
2. This ideology was widely promoted by missionaries and government officials who sought to convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity and European ways of life.
3. In the United States, the civilizing mission justified the establishment of Indian boarding schools designed to strip Native American children of their cultural identities.
4. The civilizing mission often involved violent suppression of Indigenous resistance, framed as necessary for their own 'betterment' and integration into society.
5. The legacy of the civilizing mission continues to impact contemporary discussions about cultural preservation, Indigenous rights, and reconciliation efforts.

Review Questions

• How did the ideology of the civilizing mission influence policies toward Indigenous peoples?
  • The civilizing mission influenced policies by promoting the idea that Indigenous peoples were in need of guidance and transformation. This resulted in forced assimilation practices, such as education systems aimed at eradicating Indigenous languages and customs. Such policies were justified under the belief that Western culture represented progress and civility, ultimately leading to significant cultural disruption and loss for many Indigenous communities.
• Evaluate the impact of the civilizing mission on Native American communities in the context of assimilation policies.
  • The impact of the civilizing mission on Native American communities was profound, as it aimed not only to assimilate these groups but also to erase their identities. The establishment of Indian boarding schools exemplified this approach, where children were often taken from their families and subjected to harsh conditions meant to enforce conformity to Euro-American norms. This resulted in generational trauma, loss of language, and cultural practices that are still being addressed today in efforts towards healing and restoration.
• Assess how the legacy of the civilizing mission continues to shape current attitudes towards Indigenous rights and cultural preservation.
  • The legacy of the civilizing mission shapes current attitudes by highlighting ongoing struggles for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation. Many contemporary movements are rooted in a desire to reclaim lost languages, traditions, and identities that were systematically suppressed. Furthermore, discussions around reparations and acknowledgment of historical injustices emphasize the need for a shift from paternalistic views towards recognizing Indigenous sovereignty and valuing diverse cultures as integral to society.

Related terms

Assimilation: The process by which individuals or groups of differing ethnic heritage are absorbed into the dominant culture, often leading to the loss of original cultural identity.

Colonialism: The practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country or territory, often involving the establishment of settlers and economic exploitation.

Manifest Destiny:

A 19th-century doctrine or belief that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America, often used to justify displacement of Indigenous peoples.