1. According to Ferry, what recent developments in world trade have made it urgent for France to have colonies? In an argument with members of the French Parliament, Ferry defends the decisions to expand. Other countries began to export more goods than France, so essentially, if they (France) had more colonies, they could export more goods out of the country. Jules made it a point for it to be known that outlets were in great need, and lacking because of Germany’s trade barriers, and also at this point the United States became protectionists.
2. What arguments against imperialism have been raised by Ferry's critics? How does he counter them? Critics say “Oh! You dare to say this in the country which has proclaimed the rights of man!” They include that he is justifying slavery. Ferry responds and says that he is allowed to impose regular commerce upon them. Jules says that his race is the superior race and therefore his race has rights over inferior races. The critics also say he is justifying slavery. Jules responds, “I repeat, that the superior races have a right because they have a duty. They have the duty to civilize the inferior races . . . . In the history of earlier centuries these duties, gentlemen, have often been misunderstood; and certainly when the Spanish soldiers and explorers introduced slavery into Central America, they did not fulfill their duty as men of a higher race . . . . But, in our time, I maintain that European nations acquit themselves with generosity, with grandeur, and with sincerity of this superior civilizing duty.
3. What non-economic arguments does Ferry offer in favor of imperialism?
Ferry offered ideas of civilization in its highest sense and ideas of politics and patriotism. Ferry also took into consideration the current conditions of naval warfare. He suggested that France needed countless provisioningstations and shelters and will hold them in 4 areas (Saiggon, Tunisia, theMekong Delta and Madagascar).