Introduction
Throughout the nineteenth century, Europeans occupied a significant part of the world and interjected in local political, cultural, and religious matters to the point of a complete change in direction. This abuse of power was justified by media that depicted local communities on the occupied territories as inferior and required them to be controlled. In this research paper, several examples of exaggerations of the brutality of native populations taken from the primary sources of the nineteenth century will be analyzed.
Exaggerations of the brutality of native populations
The encounters with locals often required diplomacy above what is normally expected when meeting a different civilization. The story by Paul du Chaillu, who was exploring Africa to meet the local tribes who rarely had any contact with the outside world, reveals the attitudes towards such populations among travelers. One of these communities was called Obongos, and they lived in seclusion, hiding from any unwanted attention (Chaillu, Travels). The nature of interactions with this tribe might appear disrespectful by modern standards, yet it is apparent from the text that du Chaillu intended only to learn more about the locals (Chaillu, Travels). His stories might diminish the achievements of African tribes, yet his records show that the explorer truly wanted to record the previously unknown cultures and gain a better understanding of their lives.
A different picture has been created in the works of an Italian writer Edmondo de Amicis. His experiences in Morocco portray the locals as brutish and drug-abusing people (Amicis, One Day). Such a reading must have shocked Europeans in the nineteenth century and could make them more lenient toward the idea of occupying these territories. While, in reality, the situation might have been much less dire, Amicis has selected the specific encounters he saw in his travels that show only the violent nature of Moroccans.
Depictions of British influence on India confirm the idea that the benefits of the occupation did not always overshadow the loss of freedom. There were good intentions behind the changes in India introduced by the British Empire, including improvements to equality and freedom in political and social matters (Naoroji, British Rule). Their occurrence was presented to the British people as a sign of their approach working as intended. However, the financial burden on the country was immense, slowing India’s progress at a rate comparable with the benefits from improvements (Naoroji, British Rule). Indeed, it was a way for the British empire to enrich itself on behalf of another country, yet the benefits it introduced to India were meant to diminish the adverse impact of its presence in the region.
Another country under British rule had experienced times of turmoil due to the occupation of Egypt. The occupied nation was put under a significant financial and political burden, and, in 1882-1883, revolts against Europeans and their culture began (Hansen & Curtis, 2016). However, the attempts to quell the uprising were depicted in a different light. General Gordon was sent during this period to protect the fleeing Europeans from tribespeople who declared war against Christian believers (Hake, Khartoum). His heroism is indisputable, yet it is worth remembering that the turmoil is not caused by senseless aggression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, depictions of native populations of the conquered lands diminished their suffering stemming from the occupants’ actions while exaggerating the impact of changes introduced to the countries by Europeans. The examples from the primary sources allow historians to understand the underlying reasons behind the overwhelming support among Europeans for conquering new lands. Not only did the occupation bring these countries great prosperity and multiply their wealth, but it also was presented as a way to positively transform the local communities to adopt contemporary practices in all aspects of society.
References
Amicis, E. (1870). One day in Morocco. Fordham University.
Chaillu, P. (1868). Travels in Africa. Fordham University.
Hake, A. E. (1885). The death of General Gordon at Khartoum. Fordham University.
Hansen, V., & Curtis, K. (2016). Voyages in world history (2nd ed., Vol. 2). Cengage Learning.
Naoroji, D. (1871). The benefits of British rule. Fordham University.