The prime minister describes that surrounding countries are “rising up around us” such as Great Britain and Germans. He promoted the development for new defenses and supply centers. In this time period, there is a fear of what country is going to advance and which ones are not going to advance.
Social Darwinism was a common theory that societies with structures thrive and all societies will evolve. Northern Europe was considered top of the food chain or superior to most of the world. Gladstone believes they should not use and abuse their power against other less civilized territories. Meanwhile, Ferry mentions that they should use their dominance to help lead, guide, and direct other natives to their own independence. In 19th century Europe, colonial expansion was a common theme. Many believed the only way left to gain power as a country was to gain land and all of Europe was already occupied. I understand the ethical ideas William Gladstone presented as prime minister however it wasn’t logical to believe that Great Britain could remain at the top of the “food chain” without expansion. Britain eventually does colonize in other countries such as Egypt, South Africa, China, India, and the Americas. The fact that the British did end up expanding proves that imperialism was important to help a country thrive and grow. Ferry presented strong reasons as to why imperialism is important and was able to keep France as a front runner amongst other fast growing European countries during the late 19th and early 20th