COLUMN. To win the cultural and intellectual battle, Europe must staunchly defend its model, writes the economist in his column, dismantling the narrative of a 'declining' continent.
Don’t forget Britain too. They’re not as poor as Spain and Portugal by a long shot but because they had colonies, their manufacturing didn’t need to be competitive, and when the Germans developed industry, the British couldn’t compete. Still can’t.
That’s not to excuse colonial behaviours but to say that Europe is strong because of it is a misstatement.
Colonies filled some pockets but for the states, most of the time they were a money drain. Especially when effective colonization (as in taking control of vast territories and “civilize” the people) took place. The real profitable moments were mostly due to trade/piracy, and not territorial control, which is very expensive.
Don’t forget Britain too. They’re not as poor as Spain and Portugal by a long shot but because they had colonies, their manufacturing didn’t need to be competitive, and when the Germans developed industry, the British couldn’t compete. Still can’t.
That’s not to excuse colonial behaviours but to say that Europe is strong because of it is a misstatement.
Colonies filled some pockets but for the states, most of the time they were a money drain. Especially when effective colonization (as in taking control of vast territories and “civilize” the people) took place. The real profitable moments were mostly due to trade/piracy, and not territorial control, which is very expensive.