1.
“The first group contains economic arguments and often turns
around the question of whether or not imperialism pays.” (page 883)
From a pure economic standpoint, there are indeed reasons
why imperialism works well. The underdeveloped country indirectly receives
benefits and improvements, labor grows and is managed, and new markets appear
as well.
2.
“A second group of arguments relates imperialism to the
nature of human beings and human groups, such as the state.” (page 883)
This part is probably the most ridiculous one of them all. The
quote goes on to refer to Hitler and Mussolini, talking about how imperialism
is part of survival. Imperialism is an interesting subject to explore when it
comes to fast expansion and growth for a country, but it has nothing to do with
ruling others or taking control of others. There are relationships between
countries that can form and economic or social deals as well, but no country
should ever feel like a puppet.
3.
“The third group of arguments has to do with strategy and
security.” (page 884)
Now this is where most people would talk about the pros of
imperialism in the old times. Back then, imperialism helps influence the
country to lean towards expansionism. There are clear moral agendas for the country
to grow and everybody had nearly the same mind setting. That was what helped
exploration and was what made countries turn into empires, and that’s when
problems start to occur, but that’s a different topic.
4.
“The fourth group of arguments is based on moral grounds,
sometimes with strong missionary implications.” (page 884)
The passage describes that imperialism can liberate people
from tyrannical rule and bring them the blessings of a superior way of life.
Okay, there is a very thin line between this being okay and this being wrong. I
can imagine a big imperialist country economically helping another country
grow. Resources can be used and more roads or buildings can be built. But if
your goal doesn’t work, then you should know when to stop. A perfect example is
America’s constant nagging at wanting Iraq to be a democracy. Details and
history has shown that it is not working!
5.
“Relations between the native soldiers and their white counterparts
or officers also worsened as the empire grew in strength.” (page 890)
This is not surprising as history has shown that whichever
empire it is, as long as it’s growing, it will negatively affect whatever
country that it is interested in. This passage is mainly about the British
Empire harming the Indian people, but the same thing can be said for how the
British Empire treated the Chinese people. This entire piece of 1857 Reader reminded me of a novel I
read last semester, The Moonstone –it
talked about interesting social and political conflicts between the British and
the Indian people, even though it was portrayed under a more thematic light.
6.
“Because the soldier had to bite the cartridge to release
the gunpowder he necessarily tasted the grease, which was originally animal
fat, often “tallow” derived from cows.” (page 977)
Huh… that’s interesting. Now the first thing that comes up
in my head is: Why is animal fat necessary to make that grease? But then my
next question would be: “Is there anything else they could have used?” No I do
not know the answer to that question but it is understandable to see the Indian
people shocked and repulsed by this because it is against their religious beliefs.
I may not agree with them and share the same views on animals but I at least
would respect what they believe in. I can imagine a civilization of Indian
people spending years of putting up with the British Empire, and this
animal-gun thing to them is sort of like a “That’s the last straw” kind of
deal.
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