How did the idea of Freedom help legitimize English colonization?
The concept of freedom played a significant role in legitimizing English colonization in the 17th and 18th centuries. Before the 1600s, colonization was not justified, as it was seen as a cruel and exploitative act. However, with the rise of Enlightenment ideas, the concept of freedom became a powerful tool to justify England’s colonization of the "New World". In this article, we will explore how the idea of freedom helped legitimize English colonization, focusing on the historical context, theological and philosophical justifications, and the impact on the indigenous populations.
From a concept of obligation to a concept of rights
Historically, the concept of freedom was not always associated with individual rights. In medieval Europe, the concept of freedom referred to the noble’s freedom from feudal obligations, such as loyalty and service to a lord. The English Magna Carta (1215) was a significant milestone in the evolution of the concept of freedom, as it established the principle of habeas corpus (the protection of the law) and limited the power of the monarch. By the 17th century, the idea of freedom had expanded to include protections from arbitrary arrest and imprisonment.
Enlightenment and the shift to individual rights
The Enlightenment (17th-18th centuries) marked a significant shift in the concept of freedom, as it emphasized individual rights over collective obligations. Key figures like John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and John Milton argued that individuals were born free and that government derived its power from the consent of the governed. This led to the development of social contracts and the idea that governments have a duty to protect individual rights.
Theologically justifying colonization
Christianity, particularly Protestantism, also played a significant role in justifying English colonization. Missionaries and colonizers saw conversion as a key aspect of their endeavors, as it would lead to the salvation of indigenous peoples. The idea was that enlightened and Christian colonizers could bring civilization to the "savage" and "heathen" populations, freeing them from their "dark" and "bondage" (Hartwell 150). This theological justification for colonization was particularly powerful in the 17th century, as it emphasized the superiority of European culture and the duty to civilize the "uncivilized".
Philosophical justifications for colonization
Philosophers like John Locke and Robert Filmer further solidified the intellectual case for colonization. Locke’s Second Treatise of Government (1689) famously argued that ‘acquired’ possessions (land) were a natural right, as long as they were taken from a "desert" or vacant land. This idea implied that the English could rightfully claim ownership of new lands, as these lands were previously unclaimed or uninhabited. Filmer’s Patriarcha (1680) and John Selden’s Natural and Politic Law (1647) further legitimized colonization by arguing that the English monarch had a divine right to rule over the seas and to plant colonies, as long as they did not infringe on the territories of other Christian nations.
Impact on indigenous populations
The idea of freedom, as used to justify English colonization, had devastating consequences for indigenous populations. Imprisonment, forced relocation, and violence were all justified as necessary measures to "civilize" these "savages" and "heathens". The Triangular Trade, which linked Europe, Africa, and the Americas, led to the enslavement of millions of Africans, while the genocide of Native American populations remained a stark reality.
Criteria for legitimation of colonization
The idea of freedom, as used to justify English colonization, can be summarized as follows:
• Enlightenment ideas: The emphasis on individual rights and the social contract
• Theological justifications: The mission to convert and civilize indigenous populations
• Philosophical justifications: The notion of "acquired" possessions and the divine right of the monarch
• Rhetorical strategies: The use of language to portray the colonizers as benevolent and the colonized as savage or lacking in freedom
Concluding, the idea of freedom played a crucial role in legitimizing English colonization. The Enlightenment, Christian missionary work, and philosophical arguments all contributed to a powerful narrative that justified the exploitation and dispossession of indigenous populations. It is essential to acknowledge the harm caused by these actions and to work towards a more just and equitable understanding of the concept of freedom in the context of colonization.