Introduction
Mark Twain is one of the most famous American authors of all time. His many works include Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, and The Prince and the Pauper. He was also a vocal critic of imperialism and the injustice it caused.
What Was Imperialism?
Imperialism was a form of colonialism which saw countries attempt to expand their influence and control over others. This could involve the exploitation of a people’s resources, the acquisition of lands and territories, the destruction of native cultures, and the subjugation of the native population. It was practiced by many European countries in the 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Britain, France, and Germany.
Mark Twain’s Views On Imperialism
Twain was an ardent opponent of imperialism and used his position as an author to condemn it. He believed that the subjugation of other peoples was morally wrong and should not be tolerated. He saw it as an arrogant imposition of power by a country that purported to be a moral force, yet in reality, was motivated by its own greed.
Twain was particularly scathing of the British Empire and its activities in India and Africa. He argued that imperialism was detrimental to both the colonial subjects and the imperialists, and that it should be brought to an end. Twain even went so far as to call the British Empire “the most infamous government that ever existed,” and criticized it for its brutality and its unfairness.
Examples Of Mark Twain’s Criticism Of Imperialism
Twain was a prolific writer, and he used his works to express his views on imperialism. In The War Prayer, he explored the notion of a nation asking God to aid their conquest of other lands, and pointed out the hypocrisy of the situation. In A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, he exposed the absurdity of British imperialism in its treatment of the Irish. And in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, he satirized the notion of empire-building by having Tom’s expedition to an island mimic the imperial project of exploration and discovery.
Twain was also critical of the American imperial project in the Philippines. He argued that the US was using similar tactics to those used by the Europeans in their attempts to conquer other countries. He criticized American policy for its disregard for the Filipino people, for its harshness, and for its hypocrisy.
Twain’s Legacy
While Twain’s views on imperialism might have been unpopular at the time, they have been borne out by history. The legacy of imperialism is still felt today, as many of the countries that were colonized still suffer from economic and political instability. Twain’s criticism of the imperialists has been praised by historians, who have praised his courage and insight in denouncing the injustices of the time.
Twain’s Influence On Other Writers
Twain’s views have also had an influence on other writers. His criticism of imperialism has been echoed by authors such as Kurt Vonnegut, who wrote about the American occupation of Japan in his novel Slaughterhouse-Five. Twain’s views also helped to shape the views of other authors such as Chinua Achebe, who wrote extensively about the legacy of British imperialism in Africa.
Conclusion
Mark Twain was a fierce critic of imperialism and its injustices. His criticism of the British Empire and American policy in the Philippines has been borne out by history, and his courage in denouncing the oppression of colonial people has inspired generations of authors. Twain’s work continues to be an important source of insight into the effects of imperialism, and his words are still relevant today.
