Jules Ferry: A Defense of French Imperialism and Colonialism
Jules Ferry, a prominent French politician, justified colonial expansion through economic necessity and racial superiority in his 1884 speech. He argued that France needed new markets to sustain its economy and compete globally. Additionally, he claimed a duty to “enlighten” so-called inferior races. Critics, including Georges Clemenceau, condemned his views as contradictory to France’s human rights ideals. However, Ferry’s emphasis on military and naval strength mitigated opposition, solidifying colonialism as state policy.
References
Jules Ferry. (n.d.). In Encyclopædia Britannica online. Web.
Jules Ferry: On French Colonial Expansion. (n.d.). Web.
Lecomte, G., & Stuart, D. C. (2010). Georges Clemenceau, the Tiger of France. Charleston, South Carolina: Nabu Press. Web.
Reference
StudyCorgi. (2025, April 1). Jules Ferry: A Defense of French Imperialism and Colonialism. https://studycorgi.video/jules-ferry-a-defense-of-french-imperialism-and-colonialism/