Rudyard Kipling and the imperialistic Attitude
By: Brandon Chow
Rudyard Kipling
"Take up the White Man's Burden"
The White Man's Burden was to "brighten up the dark corners of the earth" and bring civilization to the countries the Americans considered to be uncivilized. The poem describes the goals of the imperialists because in fact, many Americans believed it was their responsibility and duty to assist those countries and impose the culture and traditions of their civilized country country. This poem can be described as an imperialistic one because it gives a positive representation of imperialism focusing on the advantages and hiding all the disadvantages and consequences that come along with imperialism such as cultural identity loss, wars, corruption, poverty, and cheap labor.
The White Man's Burden was to "brighten up the dark corners of the earth" and bring civilization to the countries the Americans considered to be uncivilized. The poem describes the goals of the imperialists because in fact, many Americans believed it was their responsibility and duty to assist those countries and impose the culture and traditions of their civilized country country. This poem can be described as an imperialistic one because it gives a positive representation of imperialism focusing on the advantages and hiding all the disadvantages and consequences that come along with imperialism such as cultural identity loss, wars, corruption, poverty, and cheap labor.
America's Imperialistic Attitudes
The Americans whole heartily endorsed the imperialistic attitudes offered by the ideas of Imperialism and by Rudyard Kipling. American imperialism is the economic, military, and cultural influence of the United States on other countries. Such influence often goes hand in hand with expansion into foreign territories. Expansion on a grand scale is the primary objective of an empire, a notable example being the British Empire. The concept of an American Empire was first popularized during the presidency of James K. Polk who led the United States into the Mexican–American War of 1846, and the eventual annexation of California and other western territories via the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Gadsden purchase. Overall, America took in the imperialistic attitude and attempted to expand with actions such as war and treaties to get land.
The Americans whole heartily endorsed the imperialistic attitudes offered by the ideas of Imperialism and by Rudyard Kipling. American imperialism is the economic, military, and cultural influence of the United States on other countries. Such influence often goes hand in hand with expansion into foreign territories. Expansion on a grand scale is the primary objective of an empire, a notable example being the British Empire. The concept of an American Empire was first popularized during the presidency of James K. Polk who led the United States into the Mexican–American War of 1846, and the eventual annexation of California and other western territories via the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Gadsden purchase. Overall, America took in the imperialistic attitude and attempted to expand with actions such as war and treaties to get land.
Burwash, England is where Rudyard Kipling lived and he wrote White Man's Burden.