Humanitarianism and the British Empire

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23720372
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: History of Europe and America
• Research Institution: Nanzan University (2014); International Christian University (2011-2013)
• Principal Investigator: OSAWA Hiroaki 南山大学, 外国語学部, 講師 (90598781)
• Project Period (FY): 2011-04-28 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: イギリス / 南アフリカ / 先住民保護の精神 / 人道主義 / 帝国主義 / 植民地主義 / 西洋史 / 近代史

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to examine the relationship between humanitarianism and British imperial rule particularly in relation to the colonisation of South Africa in the nineteenth century. It has demonstrated various aspects of humanitarianism. First, based on insights obtained through archival researches, it has established a more detailed picture of a Christian church’s bearings on humanitarianism. Second, through comprehensive research on primary and secondary sources, it has analysed humanitarianism in view of various ideas and beliefs that were prevailing concurrently in the same historical context. Consequently, this study has revealed a wide range of discourses and practices of humanitarianism as well as various motives and interests that spurred humanitarians into action.

Free Research Field

西洋史