Racial superiority

Definition

Racial superiority refers to the belief that one race is inherently superior to others, often leading to discriminatory practices and ideologies that justify domination or oppression. This concept was prevalent during the 19th century, particularly in relation to European imperialism, where European powers viewed themselves as superior to the peoples of Africa and other colonized regions. This mindset was a driving force behind events like the Berlin Conference, where African territories were divided among European nations without regard for the indigenous populations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Racial superiority played a crucial role in justifying the partition of Africa during the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, where European powers divided African territories with little regard for existing cultural and political boundaries.
2. The belief in racial superiority led to brutal exploitation and oppression of African peoples, as colonizers viewed them as inferior and justified their actions through pseudo-scientific theories.
3. Many Europeans believed that they had a moral obligation to 'civilize' colonized peoples, which further fueled imperialist ambitions under the guise of benevolence.
4. Racial superiority was not only a social belief but also institutionalized through laws and practices that discriminated against colonized populations in education, labor, and governance.
5. The ideologies surrounding racial superiority contributed to long-lasting impacts on post-colonial societies, including ongoing issues of inequality and racial discrimination.

Review Questions

• How did the belief in racial superiority influence the decisions made at the Berlin Conference?
  • The belief in racial superiority was central to the discussions and decisions made at the Berlin Conference, where European powers sought to divide Africa among themselves. Delegates operated under the assumption that they were entitled to claim African territories because they viewed themselves as culturally and racially superior. This led to arbitrary borders being drawn without considering the diverse ethnic groups and cultures present in Africa, which set the stage for future conflicts.
• In what ways did social Darwinism reinforce ideas of racial superiority during the era of imperialism?
  • Social Darwinism reinforced ideas of racial superiority by promoting the idea that certain races were biologically more fit for survival than others. This pseudo-scientific theory was used by imperial powers to justify their dominance over colonized peoples by arguing that they were helping 'weaker' races progress. The application of Darwinian principles to human societies provided a veneer of legitimacy to oppressive practices and policies during imperial expansion.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of racial superiority ideologies on both colonizers and colonized societies following the partition of Africa.
  • The ideologies of racial superiority had profound long-term consequences for both colonizers and colonized societies. For colonizers, these beliefs justified brutal exploitation and oppression while fostering a sense of entitlement. For colonized societies, this resulted in enduring legacies of inequality, social stratification, and ethnic tensions that persist today. The partition of Africa created arbitrary national boundaries that ignored traditional tribal affiliations, leading to conflicts that are still evident in many African nations. Furthermore, these ideologies have influenced global perceptions of race and identity well beyond the colonial era.

Related terms

Social Darwinism: A sociological theory that applied the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to human societies, suggesting that certain races were naturally superior and destined to dominate others.

Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means, often justified by notions of racial superiority.

White Man's Burden: A phrase used to justify imperialism, implying that it was the duty of white Europeans to civilize non-European peoples, reflecting the belief in their own racial superiority.