Standard of civilization

Quick Facts: Who was Standard of civilization?

Subject:

Standard of civilization

Known for:

A defunct international law principle used by Europeans to justify colonialism and control.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The standard of civilisation was a principle of international law during the European colonial period that set the criterion for a region to be fully recognised and respected as sovereign. The standard of civilisation was used by European powers following the Age of Discovery when they traded with, exploited and colonised the lands outside Europe. Countries which had non-European civilisations would be considered semi-civilised while primitive areas would be considered uncivilised. The laws of such areas would not be respected and their people, property and territory might be seized, conquered or colonised. International lawyers often used the principle to justify the rights of European colonial empires to colonise and control non-European societies.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Although the concept of civilisation historically lacked a precise, singular definition, Lucien Febvre noted that during the eighteenth century, it had a meaning of "rather at sea between politesse, police, and civilité." Following the French Revolution, the idea of civilisation gained prominence in France and subsequently in Britain. It encompassed both a continuous process and an attained condition. The latter was considered a source of considerable national pride, emphasising superiority in economic, technological, and sociopolitical domains, as well as intellectual, spiritual, and artistic accomplishments, functioning as "a general counter-concept to another stage of society, barbarism". During the European colonial period, a widespread division of the world into savage, barbarian and civilised peoples prevailed. According to Montesquieu, savage peoples "are small scattered nations that, for certain, particular reason, cannot unite" and were usually hunting peoples whereas barbarians "are ordinarily small nations that can unite" and were typically pastoral peoples.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Most 19th century international lawyers believed that the Westernised semi-civilised and uncivilised nations could gradually become civilised. According to 19th century jurist James Lorimer, "humanity, in its present condition, divides itself into three concentric zones or spheres—that of civilised humanity, that of barbarous humanity, and that of savage humanity," adding that "savages are incapable of municipal organisation beyond its most rudimentary stages." Lorimer thus held that the Barbary states of North Africa were never recognised by European nations, even justifying the French conquest of Algeria in 1830 as permissible within international law. He further stated that "To talk of the recognition of Mahometan States [...] is to talk nonsense" as a state seeking recognition must possess the will and power "to reciprocate the recognition which it demands". 19th century international lawyers often included the Ottoman Empire, China, Japan, and Siam as examples of semi-civilised nations. Lassa Oppenheim described them as "for some parts within the circle of the Family of Nations," though "for other parts outside." Certain legal scholars acknowledged that "it is difficult to define the exact amount" of civilisation necessary to join the so-called civilised Family of Nations.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1830: 1830 Milestone — " Lorimer thus held that the Barbary states of North Africa were never recognised by European nations, even justifying the French conquest of Algeria in 1830 as permissible within international law.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Standard of civilization

True or False: “Did the Montevideo Convention establish statehood based on cultural civilization rather than objective criteria?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Montevideo Convention established statehood based on objective criteria: permanent population, defined territory, functioning government, and capacity to enter relations with other states.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdulaziz — Historical peer (Born in 1830) (1830): Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, whose reign spanned major reforms and decline.
• Adam Weishaupt — Historical peer (Died in 1830) (1830): German philosopher, founder of the Bavarian Illuminati, and legal scholar.
• Standard Oil — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: American oil trust that dominated the industry from 1882 until its landmark breakup in 1911.
• Stanford University — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A leading private research university in California, renowned for innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Stanisław August Poniatowski — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Last monarch of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth; patron of arts and reformer.
• Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Visionary Polish polymath: writer, painter, and philosopher of the interwar period.

Frequently Asked Questions about Standard of civilization