In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Western nations began to question their global imperialistic role and the impact they had on non-Western cultures. This shift in mindset could be linked to the early stages of the civil rights and racial equality movements, which are still prevalent today.

Ernest Crosby’s 1899 poem “The Real White Man’s Burden” demonstrated this change in perception, as Crosby focused on criticizing imperialism rather than justifying it (as Rudyard Kipling’s “The White Man’s Burden” had done). The Anti-Imperialist League, which Crosby was part of, influenced his writing and led him to believe that the West should halt their imperialistic behavior and respect other nations’ cultures. Crosby’s poem satirized Kipling’s work, mocking the brutality and silliness of imperialism from the West.

Crosby referenced several aspects of imperialistic behavior in his poem, such as the spread of Christianity in other countries, the introduction of diseases, and the use of aggressive tactics to force economic systems onto “inferior” cultures. In America, imperialism was used as a means of expanding their controlled territories and increasing economic interests.

This changing view of imperialism has had a lasting impact on society, with a focus on promoting equality for all cultures and civilizations. This fight for civil rights and liberties has been ongoing since the mid to late 20th century, with racism being rooted in the days of imperialism. Segregation and Jim Crow laws were a result of the West’s belief in their superiority, and these effects are still present in American society today, with racially motivated violence and hate crimes remaining a polarizing topic.

Ultimately, Western nations began to reconsider their imperialistic actions in the late 19th century, and the shift in mindset inspired actions to end injustice towards non-Western cultures. However, this issue remains contentious in modern society, fueling feelings of brutality and injustice, most notably seen in the recent civil rights protests of 2020.