1. Paternalism and Social Darwinism: Many Europeans believed in a hierarchy of races, with Europeans at the top and non-Europeans at the bottom. They saw it as their duty to "civilize" and "uplift" the "backward" peoples of the world. This paternalistic attitude was often intertwined with Social Darwinism, the idea that certain races were naturally superior and had a duty to dominate others.
2. Religious Mission: Christian missionaries played a significant role in the colonization of many parts of the world. They believed it was their duty to spread Christianity and "save" the souls of non-Christians. This religious mission was often intertwined with political, economic, and military interests.
3. Economic and Political Interests: European powers often justified colonization and imperialism based on economic and political interests. They saw the acquisition of colonies as a means to gain access to resources, markets, and wealth. The idea of "backward people" was used to justify the exploitation of indigenous populations and the establishment of colonial rule.
4. Scientific Racism: Some Europeans subscribed to scientific theories that propagated racial stereotypes and hierarchies. They believed that certain races were inherently inferior and incapable of self-governance or progress. This ideology was used to justify the imposition of European control and systems of governance on colonized peoples.
5. Manifest Destiny: The United States, a predominantly European-settler society, also used the concept of "backward people" to justify its westward expansion and colonization of Native American lands. The belief in "Manifest Destiny" held that the United States had a divine right to expand its territory across the continent and bring "civilization" to Native Americans.
Overall, the idea of a "duty to the backward people of the world" was a product of European cultural, religious, economic, and political ideologies that fueled the colonization and exploitation of non-European societies during the colonial period. Today, this sentiment is widely regarded as outdated and offensive, as it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and ignores the agency and self-determination of all peoples.