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I think colonization can be a good thing if the controlling power is of the same culture. Syria and Iraq would have been much better off to remain under Turkish control. The USA, Canada, and Australia did well under the UK because the populations were similar at that time. The big problem is when the colony has a vastly different culture, like Europe colonizing Africa.
The 1700's and the 1800's were the high-water marks for open immigration, and the expansion of European colonial empires. Motivated, entrepreneurial people left Europe and to a lesser extent Asia in droves for the New World countries of the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. As thinly populated (due to smallpox's effect on the native population) opened for settlement and trans-oceanic travel became routine the people came. The new worlds had little to offer other than land and opportunity. There were few objections because the migrations didn't cost much to the host countries. And they gained a source of cheap labor.
Colonialism was spurred by opportunities to import valued items, as well as, unfortunately, slave labor. People rationalized colonialism as improving the lot of natives. Christianity was to solve the problems of the world. In fact, it rationalized exploitation and racism. Conceding that, however, the living conditions of people who were not tribal chiefs or royalty was deplorable. When the colonial system went "bust" in the post WW II era, many, aided by air and fast ocean travel wanted to come. And the West had a high standard of living, as well as a welfare "safety net."
Pre-Congress of Vienna, and post 1914 life in Europe was a mess. What is now the "Third World" was always a mess but its people had no access to or knowledge of the West. Now, the U.S., Europe, Australia and Israel are beleaguered by the waves of people who want something better. However, by and large, they lack the education and/or work ethic needed to succeed in 21st Century society.
"Compassion" dictates throwing open the gates. Common sense dictates ensuring that the influx is manageable and that we get the best people. This, unfortunately, entails policies that most thinking people consider heartless. The tension between people who emphasize "heart" and those who emphasize "head" is enormous and divides people from their friends and colleagues.
Independence in the 1950's and 1960's has come with large amounts of aid. And private help. Think "We Are the World." And the "world" has nothing to show for it. Taxpayers in the more affluent countries cannot be expected to open their homes, hands and hearts endlessly. Perhaps the way to go is large-scale international aid, administered by the West. Sort of like a Peace Corp. on a large scale. We cannot shirk our moral duties to the world. However, for obvious reasons, in doing this we cannot respect the right of kleptocratic leaders to "self-determination."
Either very large-scale, First World administered Peace Corp. type aid or colonialism is needed. Colonialism didn't last long with the Americans, Canadians and Australians since they were quite capable of self-government. Much of the rest of the world, not so much.
Need I go on?
In general not very well. Some of the colonizations were, admittedly, to extract wealth. Others were to tamp down attacks on shipping.
aside from venezuela, those countries are about 50 years old after the french/english left. the u.s. was rife with civil war 100 years after independence.
I think colonization can be a good thing if the controlling power is of the same culture. Syria and Iraq would have been much better off to remain under Turkish control. The USA, Canada, and Australia did well under the UK because the populations were similar at that time. The big problem is when the colony has a vastly different culture, like Europe colonizing Africa.
Take up the White Man's burden
Send forth the best ye breed
Go bind your sons to exile
To serve your captive's need
To wait in heavy harness
On fluttered folk and wild
You new caught sullen people
Half devil and half child
The West tried that once and reaped its old reward (the blame of those ye better; the hate of those ye guard). They're on their own. Let them build the ports ye shall not enter, the roads ye shall not tread. Let them fight the savage wars of peace, fill full the mouth of famine, and bid the sickness cease.
Europe might try some pseudo-colonialism in returning illegal immigrants to Africa. They might build settlement camps in Libya and put them there. Over time these might turn into permanent settlements under European supervision. They could serve as models for those to follow who will.
China also is involving itself more and more in Africa. It's spending a lot on development and where its money goes so does it will.
The US had the Monroe Doctrine but reviving that would not cure what's troubling Latin America. Crime and corruption are their way of life. Until they decide to change them they'll limp from trouble to trouble.
aside from venezuela, those countries are about 50 years old after the french/english left. the u.s. was rife with civil war 100 years after independence.
The U.S. had one civil war. It was not war-torn for that 85 or so years. Not comparable to African countries.
doesnt mention that most villages in the old west had daily shoot outs and duels.
i think that metal and mineral extraction in the d.r.c. is a form of colonization. the large electronics corporations are not helping their well-being but instead are creating another resource to fite over.
Last edited by stanley-88888888; 07-04-2018 at 02:40 PM..
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Should we bring back colonialism?
