What Arguments Against Imperialism Have Been Raised By Jules Ferry's Critics?

In 1884 Jules Ferry, the Prime Minister of France, introduced the policy of colonial expansion.

The expansion can be described as a political and economic system. The policy connects three sets of ideas: ideas of political and patriotic sort, economic ideas, and as well as ideas of civilization (Ferry, 1884).

According to Ferry, what recent developments in world trade made it urgent for France to have colonies?

According to Jules Ferry, recent developments in trades made it urgent for France to have colonies. Ferry felt other countries were exporting more goods than France, so he introduced the policy of colonial expansion. Ferry believed there was a need for more outlets, as other countries were setting up trade barriers. He made it known

that Germany was setting up trade barriers, and blamed it on the United States. He said, “Because across the ocean, the United States of America has become protectionists, and extreme protectionist at that” (Ferry, 1884). In Ferry’s opinion he believed the markets were shrinking and becoming more difficult to access. He though the states were starting to pour into their markets, threatening their market. So because of these developments, he felt it was necessary add more colonies in order to export more goods. I could see Jules Ferry argument for the need to add more colonies, and export more goods.
What arguments against imperialism have been raised by Ferry’s critics?

How does he counter them?

Jules Ferry’s critics believed he was trying to justify slavery, which was introduced in Central America by the Spanish soldiers. Jules Ferry discussed how in this opinion, during the introduction of slavery, the Spanish soldiers did their fulfilled their duty as men of a higher

race.
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He felt back in the day they were misunderstood, and this time around would be different. Ferry countered them by saving that, “ the superior races have a right because they have a duty. They have a duty to civilize the inferior races” (Ferry, 1884). Ferry felt the “superior races” would help the improve the “inferior races”. Jules Ferry felt that is a person was economically good then he had control over a poor person. He explained that during their duty, they would perform the job to the highest of standards. . So while Jules Ferry may not view it as slavery, I do.
What non-economic arguments does Ferry offer in favor of imperialism?
Non-economic agreements Ferry offered in the favor of imperialism were the idea of ports for ships to have short layovers, as well as providing markets for French goods.

Jules Ferry discussed, “ at present, as you know, a warship, however perfect its design, cannot carry more than two weeks’ supply of coal; and a vessel without coal is a wreck on the high seas, abandoned to the first occupier” (Ferry, 1884). He also felt the need to have a place of shelter, supply, and ports for defense. It was for this reason, that believed it was so important for France to obtain Tunisia, Saigon, Indochina, and Madagascar. If France had more colonies, they would have more places for the warship to stop and stock up on coal, and continue on their destination. Ferry explained how rich countries were great because of how developed in the industries they were. In Ferry’s beliefs, these positions would straighten and expand France, just like strong countries in Europe. Jules Ferry explained how countries are not great by the spreading of peaceful light, but by the activity they deploy (Ferry, 1884). I would have to agree with Ferry, that his ideas of adding colonies, and exporting more goods would help with the straightening and expansion of

France.
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References
From Jules François Camille Ferry, "Speech Before the French Chamber of Deputies, March 28, 1884," Discours et Opinions de Jules Ferry, ed. Paul Robiquet (Paris 1897), 1.5, pp. 199-201, 210-11, 215-18. Translated by Ruth Kleinman in Brooklyn College Core Four Sourcebook. The original post is at The Internet Modern History Sourcebook - Imperialism.