Famous quote by Cecil Rhodes

"We must find new lands from which we can easily obtain raw materials and at the same time exploit the cheap slave labor that is available from the natives of the colonies. The colonies would also provide a dumping ground for the surplus goods produced in our factories"

About this Quote

This quote attributed to Cecil Rhodes encapsulates the imperialist state of mind widespread during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Rhodes, a British imperialist and business owner, was a popular figure in the colonization of Africa, and his views show the motivations behind European colonization and imperialism during this period.

The very first part of the quote, "We must discover colonies from which we can quickly get basic materials", highlights the financial drive for imperialism. European powers looked for to broaden their territories to gain access to raw materials that were limited or unavailable in Europe. These materials, such as minerals, rubber, and farming products, were vital for fueling the Industrial Revolution and ensuring the prosperity of European markets.

The second part of the quote, "and at the very same time make use of the inexpensive servant labor that is offered from the locals of the nests", exposes the exploitative nature of imperialism. Colonizers saw native populations as a source of cheap labor that could be leveraged to make the most of earnings and efficiency. This perspective neglected the humanity and rights of the colonized peoples, resulting in widespread exploitation, oppression, and challenge.

Additionally, the expression "The colonies would likewise offer a disposing ground for the surplus items produced in our factories" shows another dimension of imperialism: the need for brand-new markets. Industrialized nations produced more goods than their domestic markets could take in. Nests functioned as new markets where these surplus items could be sold, often displacing local industries and economies.

In general, the quote shows a worldview that focused on economic gain and power for royal powers, typically at excellent cost to the colonized areas. It highlights the ethically and ethically questionable reasons utilized to legitimize colonization and highlights the socio-economic characteristics that sustained imperial expansion. Rhodes' views were emblematic of an age where imperialism was driven by a quest for resources, labor, and markets, frequently with little regard for the consequences on native populations and cultures.

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About the Author

United Kingdom Flag This quote is from Cecil Rhodes between July 5, 1853 and March 26, 1902. He/she was a famous Statesman from United Kingdom. The author also have 4 other quotes.
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