In an attempt to justify the need for imperialism in France, Ferry states, “she (France) ought to propagate this influence throughout the world and carry everywhere that she can her language, her customs, her flag, her arms, and her genius” (Ferry, 3). He tries to use Frances’ reputation of greatness and implies that the rest of the globe needs to know their capabilities by proposing this kind of foreign control. Ferry believes that France should take part in imperialism because “Nations are great in our times only by means of the activities when they develop, it is not simply by the peaceful shining forth of institutions” (Ferry, 2). He is proposing that France vie with territories around them and move forward with industrialization. Ferry is stating that France needs to compete with its neighbors in order to prevent falling behind. In addition, placing factories in foreign countries would improve France economically by investing in cheap labor. However, as evidenced by the reactions of his peers to his speech to the assembly, there is a vast majority of people within France who disagree with Ferry’s views because the exploitation of foreign workers is reminiscent of the slavery that took place in the past. They proclaim that imperialism goes against the ideal country they strive to become, a free …show more content…
Comfort reasons as to why imperialism is not an activity that the United States should be getting involved in, she asserts that, “Great questions here before you. / Then, too, we have a past / Don't pose as a reformer! / Why, nations look aghast!” (Comfort, 1). She tries to make a point of the internal issues that they should focus on before intervening in foreign countries. Comfort believes that the United States should fix what is morally wrong in their country. For example, Indians should have land, African Americans should obtain rights, and women should be involved in politics, as Comfort writes. She also claims, “ ‘Take up the white man’s burden,’ / Right here in our own times. / Give justice, ’tis demanded / This side of distant climes.” (Comfort, 2). If the United States has multiple problem areas within itself, it is likely that they will do they same to another territory. Comfort succeeds to make it an obvious point that she is responding to Kiplings poem by quoting “Take up the white man’s burden” (Comfort). Kipling talks about the civilizing mission and their responsibility to improve the barbaric communities. However, Comfort responds with the proposal that not only will intervening in another country fail to benefit them, but it also ruin their