Analyzing Jules Ferry’s Defense of French Colonialism: Historical Arguments and Impact
Jules Ferry’s 1884 speech justified French colonialism using economic, nationalist, and racial arguments. He argued that colonial expansion was necessary to secure markets amid global competition and protectionism. He also framed colonialism as a civilizing mission, claiming France had a duty to uplift “inferior” races. Critics opposed his views, highlighting the moral contradictions of a nation advocating human rights while exploiting others. This paper examines Ferry’s justifications and the criticisms of his colonial agenda.
References
Drayton, R. (2017). Federal utopias and the realities of imperial power. Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East, 37(2), 401-406.
Power, T. F. (2014). Jules Ferry and the renaissance of French imperialism. London, UK: King’s Crown Press.
Reference
StudyCorgi. (2025, March 3). Analyzing Jules Ferry’s Defense of French Colonialism: Historical Arguments and Impact. https://studycorgi.video/analyzing-jules-ferrys-defense-of-french-colonialism-historical-arguments-and-impact/