Imperialism, The World War and Social Democracy

David Livingstone's Advocacy for Colonization and Christianization

In David Livingstone’s 1857 work titled "Cambridge Speech of 1857," he ardently promotes the colonization and Christianization of Angola, a region where the people lack maritime communication. Livingstone states, "My desire is to open a path to this district, that civilization, commerce, and Christianity might find their way there" (Livingstone, 1857). He further emphasizes that "pioneers in this instance should be the ablest and best qualified of men." Livingstone claims that his calling to be a missionary is a privilege rather than a sacrifice, highlighting the sense of duty and moral obligation he feels towards spreading Western ideals. His speech reflects the 19th-century mindset that saw colonization as a means of progress and enlightenment for other cultures.

Rudyard Kipling's "White Man's Burden" and the Dilemma of Imperialism

Rudyard Kipling’s 1899 poem, "The White Man’s Burden," initially appears to convey racist sentiments about the colonized peoples, especially considering Kipling's English heritage and England's status as an imperial power at the time. The poem discusses the subjugation of natives in colonized territories, giving it a pro-imperialism tone. However, upon closer examination, Kipling provides a cautionary message to the United States regarding the responsibilities and challenges of colonization, particularly in the context of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. Kipling warns of the burdens and ethical complexities inherent in imperial endeavors, positioning his work as a nuanced commentary rather than a straightforward endorsement or condemnation of imperialism. (Kipling, 1899).

Karl Pearson's Social Darwinism and Justification of Imperialism

Karl Pearson’s 1900 work, "Social Darwinism," serves to justify imperialism by arguing that educating and nurturing African tribes will not "modify the stock" (Pearson, 1900). Pearson uses the example of white settlers displacing the "inferior red Indians in North America" to create a "great nation." He suggests that suffering is essential for progress, civilization, and social empathy. "These dead people are the stepping stones on which mankind has risen to higher intellectual life today" (Pearson, 1900). The article underscores how British and American imperialists used Social Darwinism to rationalize Anglo-Saxon expansion and the domination of other peoples, reflecting a belief in the inevitability and righteousness of their cultural superiority.

Ernst Jünger’s "The Storm of Steel" and the Reality of Warfare

Ernst Jünger’s 1920 work, "The Storm of Steel," offers a vivid account of the German soldier's experience during the First Battle of the Somme. Jünger writes, "I heard a monotonous tale of, 'the front line' crouching all day in shell holes with no one on either flank and no trenches communicating with the rear, of unceasing attacks, of dead bodies everywhere, of maddening thirst" (Jünger, 1920). Despite initially embracing the conflict as a test of manhood, Jünger provides a dispassionate description of life and death on the Western Front. His work serves as a cold indictment of the Great War, emphasizing the personal toll and senseless destruction it wrought. This anti-war sentiment reflects a deeper disillusionment with the romanticized notions of heroism often associated with warfare.

Roland Dorgelès' "That Fabulous Day" and French Patriotism

Roland Dorgelès’ work, "That Fabulous Day," captures the monumental patriotism of French soldiers during the war in 1914. He writes, "No more poor or rich, proletariats or bourgeoisie, right wingers or left, there were only Frenchmen" (Dorgelès, 1914). The text describes how the war effectively erased class distinctions, uniting individuals under a shared national identity. Dorgelès' portrayal is decidedly pro-World War I, emphasizing the unifying power of patriotism and the potential for war to transcend social divides. This perspective highlights how the shared experience of conflict can foster a sense of national unity and purpose.

Heinrich von Treitschke's "The Greatness of War" and Militaristic Ideals

In Heinrich von Treitschke’s article titled "The Greatness of War," he addresses the rapid increase in militarism and armaments before 1914. He argues, "The individual must forget his own ego and remember that of the whole" (von Treitschke, 1914). Treitschke asserts that people must sacrifice for their nation and contends that it is misguided to attempt to abolish the heroism born from wars. He suggests that the Aryan race is inherently brave and that war, while a terrible antidote, is a beneficial means for humanity to progress. Treitschke's work encapsulates a belief in the redemptive and unifying power of warfare, advocating for a collective focus on national strength and identity.