The Uses of Empire

Abstract

One of the principles of colonialism was that the empire should be of use to France. Colonialists ardently believed that colonies must return profits. Colonies should provide commercial advantages as sources of raw materials, markets for exports and destinations for investments. French technological and industrial expertise should find a chance to undertake great projects in the colonies, and business should find opportunities for trade. Some of the colonies should provide land for settlement; colonies might also offer a place of exile and rehabilitation for wrongdoers. The colonies should serve as a reservoir of labour for enterprises throughout the empire (or even at home) and soldiers for the military. The colonies should be strategic outposts for the armed forces. The colonies should increase the prestige and power of France, maintaining its position in the first rank of the world’s nations and giving it leverage over rivals both in Europe and the wider world.