ABSTRACT
The ideological justification of colonialism is a reflection of the economic and political power exercised by the colonising nations. The ideas of the ruling class were the ruling ideas since before democratic expression of views allowed other voices to be heard, there could be no contrary opinion. During the colonial period, few Europeans doubted their right and obligation to impose their civilisation on the African peoples. The French, for example, openly claimed to have a civilising mission in Africa, and the British took it on themselves to carry the black man’s burden, that is, the responsibility to lead the backward peoples of Africa to a higher level of civilisation.
