Introduction Legacies of Imperialism


How should contemporary society respond to the legacies of historical globalization?

Perspectives on Globalization


William Gladstone served as the Prime Minister of Great Britain four times between 1868 and 1894, during its greatest imperial height. Gladstone defended his reasons for his concerns about protecting Indigenous people in the empire.



Remember the rights of the savage, as we call him. Remember that the happiness of his humble home, remember that the sanctity of life in the hill villages of Afghanistan, among the winter snows, is as inviolable in the eye of Almighty God, as can be your own.

William E. Gladstone


As a strong believer in reform, he focused on many causes, such as educational change and women's rights. The issue that most characterized his career, was his support for the political rights of Ireland. Through all this he remained a firm believer in the British Empire. He once stated, after reaching an agreement with the Boers in South Africa, "While we are opposed to imperialism, we are devoted to the empire." Many people, like Gladstone, were deeply devoted to the greatness that Britain achieved by having a large empire, but were beginning to feel that some of the excesses of imperialism, such as labour abuse and the Eurocentric approach to other cultures, was wrong. As a result of these changing views, they began to evaluate the methods used to further imperial goals and to demand that governments do more to protect lower classes in their own country as well as the Indigenous people of their colonies. In Great Britain, Gladstone fought many battles for reform against strong supporters of the unrestricted imperial methods.

So far, our brief study of historical globalization and imperialism has discussed how rich and more technologically-advanced nations dominated poorer and less technically-skilled nations.
 

These powerful nations disrupted the fabric of many societies globally, as their governments and companies took control of resources for their gain. Powerful nations used their advanced military power to control and dominate colonies. As nations sought to increase their reach, conflict with other powerful nations led to global warfare. At the same time, the Eurocentric view served as a justification for expansion because the powerful nations considered themselves to be civilizers of primitive people.

During this time of rapid imperialism there were injustices, but also there were more technologies introduced that helped improve living standards.

The legacies of imperialism linger throughout the world. People have to consider how to deal with these legacies in order to ensure a brighter tomorrow.

This unit considers the legacies of globalization and imperialism in our modern world.

You will think about how we, as individuals and citizens of Canada and the world, should respond to those legacies.


About the issue question.

Look more closely at the issue question. To understand it, you must understand the legacies of historical globalization. You will need to consider how our world today is the result of the actions of our ancestors. Consider the policies of governments and other organizations intended to redress past wrongs and the effectiveness of those policies.