John, I recognise your knowledge and experience of the Indian sub-continent offers a different perspective as mine is primarily based on a greater grasp of an African perspective. I offer some responses to your 5 comments
1. European colonialism was both normal and unique.
Yes, European colonialism was another chapter in a long history imperialism and empires across the centuries and you rightly mention the technological advances that perhaps lead this European chapter to be different from any preceding chapters. There is one major difference though that should be acknowledged. European Empires from 1500 onwards were the first with the ability to use improved shipping to exchange goods across continents and for settlers to reside on another continent while, at the same time, keeping in contact with their 'home' country.
2. European colonialism was brutal and humanitarian.
British colonialism only appears humanitarian if it is compared with other empires and colonial powers that were even more brutal - such as Belguim in the Congo or the Ottomans at different stages of their expansion. My response is also a way of wanting to nuance and try and avoid the rather stark choice of it was either 'good' or 'bad. I am with you about saying it was both good and bad.
3. European colonialism both humiliated and weakened, and enlarged and prospered colonies.
I wonder what you make of Walter Rodney's theory of underdevelopment? Any thoughts? (How Europe Underdeveloped African - 1975). It is not that Africa did not develop, but it underdeveloped in comparison with the advancements that could have been made if investment from Europe was aimed at developing the African economy, rather than focusing on extracting raw materials for Europe and creating in Africa a market for European products. The example of plantations may have helped integrate the colony into the international market system, but in also helped create long-term dependency and an over reliance on debt. Those who worked on the plantations were underpaid and relied on subsistence farming to survive - a continuing feature of capitalism across the globe including Scotland after the clearances.
A couple of quotes from Rodney - let me know if you want the references, it will depend on the edition of the book
“Western Europe and Africa had a relationship which insured the transfer of wealth from Africa to Europe” and as a consequence “Western Europe helped to underdevelop Africa”.
"capitalism in the form of colonialism failed to perform in Africa the task which it had performed in Europe in changing the social relations and liberating the forces of production."
4. European Colonialism has made possible a great future and a disastrous future.
I wonder whether the unpopularity of British association with Empire and colonialism is the result of a greater awareness of the negative impact of British influence within a younger generation, especially as they listen to those who are now their fellow citizens. I remember being taught about the Victorian era of Empire - no mention was made about the transatlantic slave trade being the building block for the colonialism that followed or mention the slave trade went unopposed for 100 years before the Abolition movement took off in the late 1700s. Nor do I don't recall being told about the many civilisations that existed across Africa before the white man 'discovered' the continent.
5. European colonialism can make us optimists or pessimists.
I agree with your comment - if you discuss colonialism you will inevitably find yourself in bad company. I hope I'm in good company with you in my response to your thoughtful and provocative blog. Hope you are well and recovered from the recent illness you referred to last week. Colin
John, I recognise your knowledge and experience of the Indian sub-continent offers a different perspective as mine is primarily based on a greater grasp of an African perspective. I offer some responses to your 5 comments
1. European colonialism was both normal and unique.
Yes, European colonialism was another chapter in a long history imperialism and empires across the centuries and you rightly mention the technological advances that perhaps lead this European chapter to be different from any preceding chapters. There is one major difference though that should be acknowledged. European Empires from 1500 onwards were the first with the ability to use improved shipping to exchange goods across continents and for settlers to reside on another continent while, at the same time, keeping in contact with their 'home' country.
2. European colonialism was brutal and humanitarian.
British colonialism only appears humanitarian if it is compared with other empires and colonial powers that were even more brutal - such as Belguim in the Congo or the Ottomans at different stages of their expansion. My response is also a way of wanting to nuance and try and avoid the rather stark choice of it was either 'good' or 'bad. I am with you about saying it was both good and bad.
3. European colonialism both humiliated and weakened, and enlarged and prospered colonies.
I wonder what you make of Walter Rodney's theory of underdevelopment? Any thoughts? (How Europe Underdeveloped African - 1975). It is not that Africa did not develop, but it underdeveloped in comparison with the advancements that could have been made if investment from Europe was aimed at developing the African economy, rather than focusing on extracting raw materials for Europe and creating in Africa a market for European products. The example of plantations may have helped integrate the colony into the international market system, but in also helped create long-term dependency and an over reliance on debt. Those who worked on the plantations were underpaid and relied on subsistence farming to survive - a continuing feature of capitalism across the globe including Scotland after the clearances.
A couple of quotes from Rodney - let me know if you want the references, it will depend on the edition of the book
“Western Europe and Africa had a relationship which insured the transfer of wealth from Africa to Europe” and as a consequence “Western Europe helped to underdevelop Africa”.
"capitalism in the form of colonialism failed to perform in Africa the task which it had performed in Europe in changing the social relations and liberating the forces of production."
4. European Colonialism has made possible a great future and a disastrous future.
I wonder whether the unpopularity of British association with Empire and colonialism is the result of a greater awareness of the negative impact of British influence within a younger generation, especially as they listen to those who are now their fellow citizens. I remember being taught about the Victorian era of Empire - no mention was made about the transatlantic slave trade being the building block for the colonialism that followed or mention the slave trade went unopposed for 100 years before the Abolition movement took off in the late 1700s. Nor do I don't recall being told about the many civilisations that existed across Africa before the white man 'discovered' the continent.
5. European colonialism can make us optimists or pessimists.
I agree with your comment - if you discuss colonialism you will inevitably find yourself in bad company. I hope I'm in good company with you in my response to your thoughtful and provocative blog. Hope you are well and recovered from the recent illness you referred to last week. Colin