Reference

Mark Twain's essay "To the Person Sitting in Darkness," published in 1901, provides a sharp critique of Western imperialism as it was manifesting itself in various parts of the world, including South Africa, China, Cuba, and the Philippines. The historical context of this work involves several key events and themes:

1. Imperialism and Colonial Expansion: During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European powers, along with the United States, intensified their imperialistic endeavors, expanding their control over territories in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This period saw the scramble for Africa, where European nations carved up the continent, and the penetration of Western powers into Asian nations such as China.

2. The Boxer Rebellion and its Aftermath: One specific event that Twain satirizes in his essay is the Boxer Rebellion in China (1899-1901). After the rebellion, Western powers forced China to pay heavy indemnities. Twain particularly criticized the actions of missionaries and their complicity in imperial policies, reflecting on the broader theme of Western exploitation under the guise of spreading Christianity and civilization.

3. The Philippine-American War: Twain also criticized American imperialism particularly in the context of the Philippine-American War (1899-1902). Following the Spanish-American War, the United States annexed the Philippines, leading to a brutal conflict as the Filipinos resisted colonial rule. Twain was vocally opposed to this war, seeing it as a betrayal of American values of liberty and democracy.

4. Critical of Hypocrisy and Injustice: Twain's essay is marked by its sarcastic tone and exposes the hypocrisy of Western nations, which claimed to bring enlightenment and salvation to "the benighted native" while often engaging in acts of cruelty, exploitation, and violence. This theme of exposing the contradictions and moral failings of imperial policies is central to Twain's critique.

For more detailed exploration of the essay and its context, you can refer to these sources:

• Wikipedia
• Twain's Geography