How did imperialists think of the people in the countries they were taking over?

Imperialism is defined as the practice of extending a country's power and influence by the process of colonisation. While there are many reasons for its emergence, the imperialists were often driven by the same cultural and social motivations and beliefs. First of all, imperialists often viewed themselves as being racially and culturally superior to other races. This 'ethnocentric' view, as it is known, means that imperialists believed 'inferior' races should be conquered in order to...

Imperialism is defined as the practice of extending a country's power and influence by the process of colonisation. While there are many reasons for its emergence, the imperialists were often driven by the same cultural and social motivations and beliefs. First of all, imperialists often viewed themselves as being racially and culturally superior to other races. This 'ethnocentric' view, as it is known, means that imperialists believed 'inferior' races should be conquered in order to civilise them. The 'White Man's Burden' by Rudyard Kipling, written in England in 1899, is a great example of ethnocentrism. 

Imperialists also believed that people they colonised needed to be converted to Christianity. In other words, they were 'heathens' who could only be saved by the grace of God. Christian missionaries taught the imperialists' language, and built churches and schools in an attempt to impose their beliefs and values on the conquered people. Many of these missionaries were women who believed that their work could help to improve the lives of colonised women and, especially, improve the way they were treated by local men.