British Paternalism and Africa, 1920-1940

British Paternalism and Africa (1978) examines the beliefs and assumptions of British intelligentsia concerning British-African politics between the wars. It argues that Europeans dominated the debate about the future of African colonies, with some writers advocating for a civilizing mission and others emphasizing the need for African society to be reconstructed before independence. Marxist-Leninist writers rejected the necessity for continued European presence in Africa.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 06 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

British Paternalism and Africa (1978) delves into the beliefs and assumptions of members of the British intelligentsia who engaged with British-African politics during the interwar period. To uncover the attitudes of politicians, missionaries, administrators, and others regarding African issues, the journals and books published in Britain during this time were utilized as primary sources. In the two decades preceding the Second World War, the discussion about the future of African colonies remained largely the domain of Europeans, driven by their desire to influence British politics according to their unique brand of paternalism. It is suggested that certain writers continued to employ arguments about Britain's "civilizing mission," while others emphasized the importance of a period of reconstruction within African society before independence could be granted. Interestingly, only the Marxist-Leninist writers rejected doctrines that implied the continued European presence in Africa.

British Paternalism and Africa (1978) is a comprehensive study that explores the beliefs and assumptions of members of the British intelligentsia who were actively involved in British-African politics during the interwar period. The researchers utilized a range of journals and books published in Britain during this time as primary sources to gain insights into the attitudes of politicians, missionaries, administrators, and other individuals concerning African issues.

In the two decades preceding the Second World War, the debate about the future of African colonies remained largely the domain of Europeans. These individuals were eager to influence British politics according to their own unique brand of paternalism. They sought to exert their influence on African societies, believing that they had the responsibility to civilize and develop these regions.

The study reveals that some writers within the British intelligentsia continued to employ arguments about Britain's "civilizing mission." They argued that the British had a moral obligation to bring enlightenment, education, and modern infrastructure to African colonies. These writers believed that by investing in these colonies, the British could promote the well-being and prosperity of the African people and contribute to the greater good of the world.

On the other hand, some writers emphasized the need for a period of reconstruction within African society before independence could be granted. They recognized that the colonial era had left deep scars and that African societies needed to heal and rebuild before they could fully develop and thrive on their own. These writers advocated for policies that would support African self-determination, education, and economic development.

However, it is noteworthy that only the Marxist-Leninist writers rejected doctrines that implied the necessity for continued European presence in Africa. They argued that the colonial era had perpetuated economic exploitation, political oppression, and cultural degradation in Africa. They believed that the only way for Africa to achieve true independence and development was through the overthrow of colonial rule and the establishment of a socialist or communist government.

British Paternalism and Africa (1978) provides valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted relationship between Britain and Africa during the interwar period. It sheds light on the beliefs and assumptions of the British intelligentsia and their role in shaping the policies and practices of British colonialism in Africa. The study highlights the ongoing debate about the future of African colonies and the various approaches taken by different individuals and groups to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this period.

Weight: 870g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032597737