Colonial Empires Questions
The concept of 'white man's burden' refers to the belief held by Europeans during the era of colonialism that it was their duty and responsibility to civilize and educate the indigenous peoples of the colonies. This idea was popularized by the British poet Rudyard Kipling in his poem of the same name. The 'white man's burden' ideology justified the colonization and exploitation of non-European territories, as it portrayed the Europeans as superior and morally obligated to bring progress and civilization to the 'backward' societies. This belief influenced colonial policies by providing a moral justification for the subjugation, exploitation, and cultural assimilation of indigenous peoples. It also led to the implementation of policies aimed at imposing European values, institutions, and systems of governance on the colonies.