Fergeson book discussion

 Fergeson book discussion

October 31, 2023

In chapter 4 of the Ferguson book, Civilization: The West and the Rest, he spoke about the development of medicine, along with the creation of second-class citizens and racial inequality. These come from the colonization of Africa and the European medical advancements. When speaking of African rights, Ferguson discusses how Germany’s problematic actions during the war, including their disregard for racial differences and mistreatment of potential allies, contributed to their ultimate defeat. He then explains these racial differences led to conflict and war. An example of this is the American Civil War, which was fought with the goal to end slavery- but wouldn't have happened without racial conflict. It seems that Fergusons’ claim is: that without racial supremacy, terrible conflict may never have begun in the first place. The medical advancements had a connection to the development of imperialism in Europe, leading to a better understanding of specific diseases- overall improving the people’s health. Along with this, they even tested their vaccines on animals. 

In chapters 5, 6, and the conclusion, Ferguson speaks of the impact that comes from technological advancements. New technologies like the railway system, for example, added European countries to the expansion of their empires and assisted in their lives for the better. With railways, trade was made easier. Steam power economically improved their empire. Examples of steam power include engines and factories, ultimately things are easier and faster for the people- just like the technology we have today can take the load off, like self-checkout machines at grocery stores for example. Instead of walking, they can travel faster by train, being more efficient with their time and energy. This helped with trade because they could carry more in a shorter period of time. This was a huge deal back then, and only led to more technological advances from there.