White Man's Burden

Definition

The term 'white man's burden' refers to the belief that it was the duty of white Europeans and Americans to civilize and uplift non-white populations around the world. This idea was prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often used to justify imperialism and colonialism. It encapsulated a paternalistic attitude toward colonized societies, suggesting that Western powers had a moral obligation to impose their culture, governance, and values on 'lesser' nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase 'white man's burden' became widely known after Rudyard Kipling's poem of the same name, published in 1899, which encouraged the U.S. to take up colonial responsibilities in the Philippines.
2. This concept was rooted in racial theories of the time, which posited that white Europeans were culturally superior and had the right to dominate other races.
3. The belief in the white man's burden was used to rationalize harsh treatment and exploitation of colonized peoples under the guise of bringing them progress and civilization.
4. Critics of this ideology highlighted its inherent racism and hypocrisy, arguing that it ignored the existing cultures and values of colonized societies.
5. The white man's burden significantly influenced policies related to imperial expansion during the Victorian era, reflecting the political and social attitudes of that time.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of the white man's burden reflect the political attitudes of European powers during the Victorian era?
  • The concept of the white man's burden mirrored the political attitudes of European powers by justifying their imperial ambitions as a noble endeavor. It positioned colonialism as a moral obligation, suggesting that powerful nations were tasked with civilizing 'inferior' races. This paternalistic viewpoint reinforced the notion that Western civilization was superior, thus legitimizing exploitation and domination in the eyes of imperialists.
• Analyze how the notion of the white man's burden influenced social policies in colonized regions during this period.
  • The notion of the white man's burden heavily influenced social policies in colonized regions by promoting Western education, religion, and governance structures at the expense of local customs and practices. Colonizers often imposed their own cultural norms as part of a civilizing mission, which led to significant social changes. This approach disregarded indigenous knowledge systems and resulted in resistance movements among colonized peoples who sought to reclaim their identities.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the white man's burden ideology on former colonies and their modern identities.
  • The long-term impacts of the white man's burden ideology are profound, contributing to ongoing challenges faced by former colonies today. The imposition of foreign governance structures disrupted traditional systems and created lingering economic dependency. As these nations work to redefine their identities post-colonization, they grapple with issues like cultural erasure and socio-economic inequalities rooted in colonial histories. This legacy complicates modern relationships between former colonial powers and their territories, influencing global politics and cultural exchanges.

Related terms

Imperialism: A policy or ideology where a country extends its power and influence over other nations through colonization, military force, or other means.

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

Paternalism: An attitude or policy where one group believes it has the right or duty to govern or take care of another group, often seen as inferior.