Jules Ferry (1832-1893) On French Colonial Expansion

JUlES FERRY (1832-1893) On French Colonial Expansion Joka Oyefeso, Michael Anderson (Scribe), Martha Alvarez, Alliyah Dookie, Melannie Atkinsin.

1. How will colonial expansion really benefit France?

• It will give France, a nation that believes they’re superior, more economic, social and political prestige on the world stage.
• Economics – They would have more markets and boost their industry. It creates more outlets and creates an interdependent system that only benefits France.
• Socially – Bragging rights and power for the upper class.
• Political – Expansion of the French military/navy along with cultural influence around the world that can rival other European Powers.

2. What historical references does Jules Ferry use to justify France’s Colonial expansion.

• Jules Ferry uses the example of failure among European powers during the exploration of the New World by European powers such as Spain, Britain and Portugal.
• He continues with these examples to point out their failure to “civilize” the native peoples which eventually led to their downfall in the new world through rebellion.
• He uses these as references to support his argument to expand French Colonialism because he believes that France can improve on their failures and show them how to properly colonize and “civilize” foreign lands.
• In all reality colonialism to Jules Ferry was never about “civilizing”, rather it was about expanding French dominance across the world and securing more wealth and power for the French people through exploitation of other people and their land.