White Mans Burden Collection

STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE 1871. The meeting of Henry Morton Stanley and David Livingstone at Ujiji, Lake Tanganyika, 10 November 1871. Wood engraving, American, 1872, after Godefroy Durand

White men bringing cleanliness to native cultures, 1890s
" White mans burden" is to teach cleanliness, described in a Pears Soap ad, 1890s. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century illustration

MISSIONARY IN CHINA, 1837. A Missionary showing the Chinese the folly of their idolatrous worship. Line engraving, 1837

AMERICAN IMPERIALISM, 1904. The Eagle of American Imperialism with wings spread from Puerto Rico to the Philippines. American cartoon, 1904, by Joseph Keppler, Jr

MISSIONARY CARTOON, 1895. According to the Ideas of Our Missionary Maniacs : American lithograph cartoon by Louis Dalrymple, 1895

NEW TERRITORIES CARTOON. Patient Waiters Are No Losers. An American cartoon of 1897 showing a patient Uncle Sam waiting for new territories (Cuba, Canada, Hawaii)

IMPERIALISM CARTOON, 1896. American cartoon by J. S. Pughe, 1896, on Spains problems with the independence movements of
IMPERIALISM CARTOON, 1896. American cartoon by J.S. Pughe, 1896, on Spains problems with the independence movements of Cuba and the Philippines

BRITISH IMPERIALISM, 1882. Is it Christian to Thank God for Islam Slaughter?: American cartoon, 1882, showing the British royal family, led by Queen Victoria and the future King Edward VII (center)

PHILIPPIINES CARTOON, 1898 What Will He Do With it?: Having acquired the Philippines, Uncle Sam ponders how to deal with that country: American cartoon, 1898, by Charles Nelan

SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR, 1898. The United States, as Uncle Sam the school teacher, corrects the independent behavior of the Philippines (Aguinaldo) and Cuba (Gomez). Cartoon by W.A. Rogers, 1898

LIVINGSTONE: STEAM LAUNCH. David Livingstones steam launch on the Zambezi River, 1858. Contemporary wood engraving

BRAZZA IN AFRICA, 1880. Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza gaining concessions for France in negotiations with a king of the Congo region of Africa, October 1880: wood engraving, late 19th century

WALTER HENRY MEDHURST (1796-1857). English Congregationalist missionary to China. Wood engraving, German, 19th century

MISSIONARY, 1832. The Gospel Preached to the Heathen. Steel engraving, American, 1832

MISSIONARIES AND MAORIS. Reverend Samuel Marsden (1765-1838) and his fellow missionary John Liddiard Nicholas with Maoris in New Zealand. Line engraving, American, 1837

WILLIAM CAREY (1761-1834). English orientalist and missionary. Carey baptizing the first Hindu convert, a carpenter named Kristno, in the Hooghly River, India

HENRY MORTON STANLEY (1841-1904) and Sidi Mubarak Bombay (1820-1885) on the 1871 expedition into central Africa to search for David Livingstone. Wood engraving, 1890, after Godefroy Durand

REVEREND SAMUEL MARSDEN (1764-1838) and his fellow missionary John Liddiard Nicholas with Maoris in New Zealand. Line engraving, American, 1837

MISSIONARIES IN AFRICA. The Reverend J. Campbells Method of Travelling in South Africa. Steel engraving, American, 1837

MISSIONARY AND NATIVE AMERICANS. Visit of a Missionary to the Northern American Indians. Wood engraving, American, 19th century

CONGO BOUNDARIES, 1913. French and German officials noting new Congo boundaries established by 1911 agreement: French engraving, 1913

STANLEY AND LIVINGSTON. Henry M. Stanley (center, left) and David Livingstone at Ujiji, Lake Tanganyika, on 10 November 1871. Engraving, 1872

DAVID LIVINGSTONE (1813-1873). Scottish missionary and explorer in Africa. The meeting of Henry Morton Stanley and David Livingstone at Ujiji, Lake Tanganyika, 10 November 1871

PHILIPPINE CARTOON, 1902. An American cartoon of 1902 depicting an overheated Uncle Sam bringing gifts to a dubious Philippine islander

DAVID LIVINGSTONE (1813-1873). Scottish missionary and explorer. Photographed c1864-65

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"The White Man's Burden: Unveiling the Missionary Zeal and Imperialistic Ambitions" In the 19th and early 20th centuries, a fervent belief in the superiority of Western civilization drove missionaries and imperialists to spread their influence across the globe. These historical images provide glimpses into this era, shedding light on both the noble intentions and questionable motives behind such endeavors. One engraving from 1837 captures a missionary in China, passionately attempting to enlighten locals about what he perceives as their misguided idolatrous worship. This portrayal reflects an underlying assumption that Western religions are superior to indigenous beliefs, fueling efforts to convert non-Christians. Another cartoon from 1897 depicts Uncle Sam patiently waiting for new territories like Cuba, Canada, Hawaii, and Central America to fall under American control. It exemplifies the expansionist mindset prevalent during this time when imperialism was seen as a means of spreading civilization or securing economic interests. A critical American cartoon by J. S. Pughe in 1896 highlights Spain's struggles with independence movements in Cuba and the Philippines. Here we see how imperial powers often exploited internal conflicts within other nations for their own gain while justifying it as bringing stability or progress. Joseph Keppler Jr. 's iconic 1904 cartoon portrays American imperialism through an eagle with its wings spread wide – stretching from Puerto Rico to the Philippines. It symbolizes America's growing desire for global dominance at that time. However, not all depictions were supportive of these actions. A lithograph cartoon by Louis Dalrymple in 1895 criticizes British and American missionary efforts aimed at converting Chinese people to Christianity. It questions whether imposing one's religious beliefs on others is truly beneficial or respectful of cultural diversity. Similarly, an American cartoon from 1882 raises doubts about British occupation troops' actions in Egypt while invoking religion by showing Queen Victoria praying alongside her family. It challenges the notion that imperialism can be justified in the name of Christianity.