This Source Paper for World Civilization II examines the concept of imperialism, focusing on a specific confession of faith that reflects the values and attributes of the British Empire during the late 19th century. It analyzes how this document encapsulates the ideologies of the time, such as nati...
Ceniya Jefferson
Source Paper
World Civilization II
10/22/2023
INTRODUCTION
Confession of Faith became known for reflecting the values and attributes of the British
Empire during the late 19th century. Cecil Rhodes was a British imperialist who desired to bring
enlightenment to the states in South Africa by balancing the continent under British rule. The
British Empire was thriving but to expand it, imperialism was brought forth. Expanding would
be from promoting the lifestyle & control while outlining Rhode's visions in Africa but mainly
Zimbabwe and Zambia.
STANCE
His visions were based on Cape Town to Cairo railways and the consolidation of British
ambitions across the continent. The purpose was the superiority of the British race and to
establish a regime and civilization in Africa. The idea to control African territories was common
but when attempted, it led to conflict, consequences of natives or those who refused in Africa,
displacement, and imposition of colonial rule. Cecil created the “Secret Society of the Elect”. It
was a visionary to the “Confession of Faith” that was written in 1877. He presented the creation
of the society for influential and wealthy individuals who gathered to advance the British
Empire’s interest in Africa. They worked and speculated behind the public eye while planning
influence from Cape Colony in the south to Cairo in the north. It demonstrated dominance over
the length of the continent. Presenting the plan was hidden by using religious language and
comparing designs to those in sanctuaries as a way to persuade and gain support, appealing as
purified and mission-like. The reasoning would also be legitimacy and justification in front of
contemporaries. Making the parallels eluded imperialism agenda as righteous and not
ill-intended. The language prompted a pedal stool for a fantasized moral high ground and when
faced with conflict, there wouldn’t be support for opposition. “…after reviewing various
methods I felt that at the present day we are actually limiting our children and perhaps brings
into the world half the human beings we might owing to the lack of country…” (Excerpts from
Cecil Rhodes) These methods were rising during that time as other leaders practiced, mindsets
and eagerness to control were prevalent.
ARGUMENT & COUNTER
The document does suggest tactics of white supremacy but distinguishes the two
concepts. Rhode’s determination to control and look for those like-minded and reach goals only
for those similar and the empire is parallel to believing a system asserted of white people over
other races to justify any and all acts, but Rhode’s was different because it was only presented as
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