Benefits of Imperialism from a Manufacturer’s Perspective: “The White Man’s Burden” Poem

“The white man’s burden” was an example of a justified imperialism argument to liberate the countries that lagged in economic, social, and political development in the 19^th century. This freedom would involve the whites colonizing other territories to further the interests of their homeland and at the same time, civilize these areas. Therefore, colonialism was for the best interest of the protectorate and the countries governing them.

For manufacturers, imperialism would guarantee the export of finished goods. This is due to a saturated local market and the need to venture out in search of new consumers. Additionally, the colony would be an optimal area to get the raw materials to replenish the local industries guaranteeing their continuous operation and profitability. On the other hand, sacrificing their sons to exile would eliminate famine and sickness the natives suffered.

The protectorate would learn modern agricultural methods that would help to increase food production. Moreover, the research of diseases and medical supplies from the manufacturers would improve the health of the locals, thus, reducing their mortality rate. Therefore, the phrase “To seek another’s profit” was mutual(Kipling, 1899). This is in the sense that profiting the medical industries would ensure residents’ health.

Imperialism would also ensure the expansion of manufacturing industries through the establishment of new branches in the colony. These new divisions would benefit from the cheap and affordable labor provided by the native population. Consequently, the residents working in this sector would gain new machine operations and system management skills and become the new managers upon the white man’s exit. These fresh business leaders would later become responsible for the growth of their economy. Those are some of the industrial benefits and social responsibilities that the two sides of imperialism would bring and thus improve the living conditions of the “half-child” natives.

Reference

Kipling, R. (1899). The white man’s burden. Kipling Society. Web.