Colonialism and the experience of Singapore.

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COLONIALISM

The Scientific Revolution, The Age of Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution led to the Europeans believing that they were more superior to Asian and African nations. They believed that they were more civilised and were more intellectually advanced, and had a mission to educate and take care of other nations. To fuel their resources, such as fuel for industries, they also colonised places with such resources.

I do not agree with Rudyard Kipling's view on the "divine mission". He states that the British's mission was to educate Asia and Africa and let them have peace and security. Contrary to that, although the British did try to educate the natives, their main objective was to exploit the colonies' resources. Rather than letting the colonies have peace and security, the British forced them to work for their own benefit. Often, they disrupted the natives' peace by forcing them to do something. They also were not concerned about their colonies' security. During World War Two, when Japan attacked Singapore, the British decided to surrender Singapore and focus their forces on their homeland. Hence, the British did not colonise countries to educate them. Rather, they colonised the countries to