Industrialism & Imperialism: How It Fueled Empire

The factory system, a core component of industrialism, dramatically increased the production of goods, which subsequently necessitated access to more raw materials and larger markets. The nations of Europe, such as Great Britain, experienced a surge in manufacturing output, and these expanding industries sought resources like rubber and minerals from territories across the globe. This demand for resources and new markets fueled a competitive scramble among industrial nations, a process greatly accelerated by technological advancements like the steam engine, which facilitated efficient transportation and communication and enabled deeper penetration into foreign lands. The theories of Social Darwinism provided a pseudo-scientific justification for this expansion, suggesting that certain nations were inherently superior and thus entitled to dominate others, further rationalizing imperialistic policies. Understanding how did industrialism lead to imperialism requires examining this complex interplay between industrial output, resource acquisition, technological innovation, and the ideological justifications that underpinned the imperial project.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed an unprecedented surge in colonial expansion, an era historians term New Imperialism. This period differed significantly from earlier forms of colonialism, marked by its intensity, geographical scope, and the motivations driving it. European powers, along with the United States and Japan, aggressively carved up Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, establishing vast empires that profoundly reshaped the global political and economic landscape.

Defining New Imperialism and its Historical Context

New Imperialism can be defined as a period of intense imperialistic expansion undertaken by European powers, the United States, and Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was characterized by the pursuit of territorial acquisitions, economic dominance, and political influence across vast regions of the world.

Unlike earlier forms of colonialism, New Imperialism was fueled by specific historical circumstances. These circumstances include the rise of industrial capitalism and the consolidation of nation-states in Europe.

The unification of Germany and Italy, the Franco-Prussian War, and growing nationalistic sentiments created a competitive environment where imperial expansion became a symbol of national prestige and power.

Objectives and Scope of this Analysis

This analysis aims to dissect the complex web of factors that propelled New Imperialism. It will examine the underlying causes and far-reaching effects of this pivotal period in history.

The scope encompasses the economic drivers, technological enablers, political justifications, and consequences of New Imperialism. This analysis will extend to a broad overview of the resistance movements it triggered across various colonized regions.

By exploring these facets, this discussion seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of New Imperialism's multifaceted nature and enduring legacy.

Thesis Statement: Industrial Revolution and Capitalism as Primary Drivers

This editorial argues that the Industrial Revolution and the rise of global capitalism were the primary drivers behind New Imperialism. The insatiable demand for raw materials, new markets, and investment opportunities, generated by industrializing economies, compelled European powers to aggressively pursue overseas expansion.

Capitalism created an incentive for overseas investment and resource extraction. This fundamentally reshaped international relations and the global balance of power.

The Engine of Expansion: Economic Drivers of Imperialism

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed an unprecedented surge in colonial expansion, an era historians term New Imperialism. This period differed significantly from earlier forms of colonialism, marked by its intensity, geographical scope, and the motivations driving it. European powers, along with the United States and Japan, aggressively pursued overseas territories, fundamentally reshaping the global political and economic landscape. While political and ideological factors played a role, the economic drivers of this expansion were paramount. The Industrial Revolution and the rise of capitalism created a powerful imperative for resources, markets, and investment opportunities that fueled the flames of New Imperialism.

The Industrial Revolution's Transformative Impact

The Industrial Revolution, originating in Great Britain, unleashed an era of unprecedented technological innovation and economic growth.

Mass production became the norm, leading to a surplus of manufactured goods that outstripped domestic demand. European factories churned out textiles, machinery, and other products at an astonishing rate, creating a pressing need for new markets to absorb this surplus.

This insatiable demand for raw materials further incentivized overseas expansion. Factories required vast quantities of resources like cotton, rubber, minerals, and timber, which were often scarce or unavailable in Europe.

Colonies offered a readily accessible and often forcibly controlled source of these vital resources.

The Industrial Revolution fundamentally reshaped European economies, creating both the capacity and the imperative for overseas expansion.

Capitalism and the Quest for New Markets

Capitalism, as an economic system, played a critical role in driving the search for new markets during the era of New Imperialism.

The inherent drive for profit maximization incentivized businesses and investors to seek out new avenues for growth. Overseas markets offered the promise of expanding sales, increasing profits, and accumulating wealth.

This relentless pursuit of new markets led European powers to aggressively pursue free trade agreements, often backed by military force, to open up foreign economies to their goods.

Colonies were seen as captive markets, forced to purchase manufactured goods from the colonizing power, regardless of their own economic needs or capabilities.

This unequal exchange benefited European industries at the expense of colonial economies, perpetuating a cycle of dependence and exploitation.

Resource Extraction: A Key Objective

The acquisition of raw materials was a central objective of New Imperialism. European powers sought to control sources of strategically important resources, ensuring a steady supply for their industries.

Africa, in particular, became a prime target for resource extraction.

The continent was rich in minerals like diamonds, gold, copper, and other valuable resources, which fueled European industrial growth.

The brutal exploitation of the Congo Free State by Belgium's King Leopold II exemplifies the extreme lengths to which European powers would go to secure access to valuable resources like rubber.

Resource extraction often involved forced labor, environmental degradation, and the suppression of local populations, leaving a legacy of economic and social disruption that continues to be felt today.

The Rise of Powerful Trading Companies

Powerful trading companies, such as the British East India Company and the Dutch East India Company (VOC), played a significant role in facilitating and promoting New Imperialism.

These companies, originally chartered to conduct trade with Asia, gradually expanded their power and influence, eventually acquiring vast territories and exercising significant political control.

The British East India Company, for example, effectively ruled much of India for over a century, collecting taxes, raising armies, and shaping the political landscape to suit its own interests.

These trading companies served as instruments of imperial power, paving the way for formal colonial rule and exploiting resources for the benefit of European shareholders.

Their actions often resulted in the destruction of local industries and the impoverishment of local populations, further cementing the economic dominance of European powers.

Tools of Conquest: Technological Advancements and Imperialism

The economic engines of New Imperialism were undeniably powerful, yet their effectiveness hinged upon a crucial enabler: technological advancement. Without the innovations that emerged primarily from the Industrial Revolution, the rapid and comprehensive subjugation of vast territories would have been inconceivable. This section examines the indispensable role of technology in facilitating and sustaining European imperial ambitions.

The Indispensable Role of Technological Innovation

Technological advancements served as the sinews and arteries of the New Imperialism, enabling European powers to project their influence across continents with unprecedented speed and efficiency. From transportation and communication to weaponry and medicine, innovations provided a decisive advantage, shrinking distances, consolidating control, and mitigating the risks associated with colonial expansion.

Transportation: Shrinking the World

The development and refinement of the steam engine revolutionized transportation, providing the means to traverse both land and sea with previously unattainable speed and reliability.

Railroads: The Iron Veins of Empire

Railroads became the iron veins of empire, penetrating deep into the interior of continents and facilitating the extraction of resources, the movement of troops, and the administration of vast territories. They dramatically reduced transport costs and travel times. This consolidated colonial power and accelerated the pace of economic exploitation.

Steamships: Mastering the Seas

Similarly, steamships transformed maritime transport, enabling faster and more predictable voyages across oceans. They facilitated the rapid deployment of naval power and the efficient movement of goods and personnel between Europe and its colonies.

Communication: The Telegraph and Imperial Administration

The invention of the telegraph provided an almost instantaneous means of communication across vast distances, revolutionizing imperial administration.

Colonial officials could now communicate directly with London, Paris, or Berlin. The swift exchange of information enabled them to respond rapidly to crises, coordinate military operations, and maintain tighter control over their far-flung empires. The telegraph became the nervous system of empire, linking the metropole to its periphery in an unprecedented manner.

Weaponry: The Decisive Advantage

Advancements in weaponry provided European powers with a decisive military advantage over colonized populations.

The Maxim Gun: A Symbol of Imperial Power

The Maxim gun, the first fully automatic machine gun, became a symbol of imperial power. Its devastating firepower allowed relatively small European forces to suppress rebellions and conquer vast territories with brutal efficiency.

Iron and Steel Production: Backbone of Military Might

The increased production of iron and steel was essential for the creation of more durable and powerful weapons. This superiority in weaponry was a critical factor in the subjugation of Africa and Asia.

Medicine: Conquering Disease

Tropical diseases posed a significant obstacle to European expansion in Africa and Asia.

Quinine: Battling Malaria

The discovery of quinine as an effective treatment for malaria dramatically reduced European mortality rates in these regions. This opened up previously inaccessible territories to colonial exploitation and settlement. Medical advancements also improved the health and efficiency of European troops and administrators.

Infrastructure: Foundations of Control

Massive investments in infrastructure projects such as canals, roads, and ports were essential for consolidating colonial control.

Canals: Strategic Waterways

The Suez and Panama Canals, for example, dramatically reduced shipping times between Europe and Asia, facilitating trade and military operations. Roads and ports were constructed to facilitate the extraction of resources and the movement of goods. These investments strengthened the economic and political ties between the colonizer and the colonized.

In conclusion, technological advancements were not merely incidental to New Imperialism. They were indispensable tools that enabled European powers to conquer, control, and exploit vast territories across the globe. These innovations facilitated a degree of domination that would have been unimaginable in earlier eras. The legacy of these technological advantages continues to shape the global landscape today.

Justifying Domination: Political and Ideological Justifications for Imperialism

The economic and technological forces driving New Imperialism were undeniable, but they were insufficient on their own to propel such widespread colonial expansion. A crucial element in legitimizing this era of domination was the pervasive set of political and ideological justifications that swept through European society. These justifications, built upon nationalism, Social Darwinism, and the concept of the "White Man's Burden," provided a moral and intellectual framework that not only excused imperial policies but actively promoted them as a civilizing mission.

Nationalism and Imperial Expansion

Nationalism played a pivotal role in fueling imperial competition. As European nations consolidated their power and identity, the desire to assert dominance on the global stage intensified. Colonies became symbols of national prestige and power.

The acquisition of overseas territories was seen as a measure of a nation's strength and status, fostering a sense of rivalry and escalating the scramble for colonies.

The belief that a nation's greatness was directly linked to the size and extent of its empire became a self-fulfilling prophecy, driving further expansion and solidifying the link between nationalism and imperialism.

Social Darwinism: The "Survival of the Fittest" in Global Politics

Social Darwinism provided a pseudo-scientific rationale for imperial domination. Applying Darwin's theory of evolution to human societies, proponents of Social Darwinism argued that certain nations or races were inherently superior and destined to rule over others.

This distorted interpretation of natural selection was used to justify the subjugation of "weaker" or "less civilized" peoples, painting imperial conquest as a natural and inevitable process.

Social Darwinism served to dehumanize colonized populations, casting them as inherently inferior and incapable of self-governance. This ideology played a significant role in shaping racist attitudes and discriminatory policies within colonial administrations.

The "White Man's Burden": Paternalism as Justification

The concept of the "White Man's Burden," popularized by Rudyard Kipling's poem, presented imperialism as a moral duty. It posited that European nations had a responsibility to civilize and uplift the "backward" peoples of the world.

This paternalistic view portrayed colonized populations as children in need of guidance and tutelage, justifying the imposition of European values, institutions, and culture.

While some genuinely believed in the transformative potential of European civilization, the "White Man's Burden" often masked the exploitative and oppressive nature of colonial rule. It served as a convenient justification for economic exploitation and political control, cloaked in the language of benevolence and altruism.

Key Figures in New Imperialism

Several influential figures played key roles in advocating for and implementing imperial policies.

• Cecil Rhodes, a British businessman and politician in South Africa, famously advocated for British expansion throughout Africa, driven by a belief in British racial superiority and the economic potential of the continent.
• Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Germany, initially opposed colonial expansion but later embraced it as a means of enhancing Germany's international prestige and economic power.
• King Leopold II of Belgium infamously established the Congo Free State as his personal colony, exploiting its resources and subjecting its population to brutal forced labor.
• Joseph Chamberlain, a British statesman, championed imperial preference and sought to strengthen the economic ties between Britain and its colonies.
• Jules Ferry, a French statesman, advocated for colonial expansion as a means of securing resources, markets, and national prestige for France.

These figures, among others, played instrumental roles in shaping the course of New Imperialism, driven by a complex mix of economic ambition, political calculation, and ideological conviction. Their actions had profound and lasting consequences for both the colonizers and the colonized, shaping the global landscape in ways that continue to resonate today.

Voices of Defiance: Resistance to Imperialism

Justifying Domination: Political and Ideological Justifications for Imperialism The economic and technological forces driving New Imperialism were undeniable, but they were insufficient on their own to propel such widespread colonial expansion. A crucial element in legitimizing this era of domination was the pervasive set of political and ideological narratives that painted colonial conquest as a moral imperative or an inevitable outcome. Yet, this narrative of dominance was far from uncontested. Throughout the colonized world, diverse populations mounted significant resistance against European rule, challenging the very foundations of imperial authority.

The struggle against imperialism manifested in myriad forms. From armed rebellions to subtle acts of cultural preservation, colonized peoples actively resisted the imposition of foreign rule. Understanding the multifaceted nature of this resistance is crucial to deconstructing the simplistic narrative of European dominance.

A Spectrum of Resistance

Resistance to imperialism was not a monolithic phenomenon. Rather, it encompassed a wide spectrum of strategies and ideologies.

Armed rebellions, often brutally suppressed, represented the most direct challenge to colonial authority. These uprisings, fueled by a desire for self-determination and resentment of foreign rule, demonstrated the inherent instability of imperial control.

Non-violent resistance, drawing on religious or philosophical principles, sought to undermine colonial power through peaceful means. These movements challenged the moral legitimacy of imperialism and mobilized large segments of the population through civil disobedience.

Cultural resistance focused on preserving indigenous traditions, languages, and belief systems in the face of cultural imperialism. This form of resistance aimed to maintain a distinct cultural identity and prevent the complete assimilation of colonized populations into European norms.

Political organization involved the formation of nationalist movements and political parties that advocated for self-governance and independence. These organizations sought to achieve political change through negotiation, lobbying, and, when necessary, direct action.

Indian Nationalism: A Case Study in Resistance

India, the "Jewel in the Crown" of the British Empire, became a fertile ground for nationalist movements. The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, initially sought to reform British rule and gradually evolved into a powerful force for complete independence.

Early Congress Leaders and Moderate Resistance

Early leaders of the INC, such as Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, advocated for moderate reforms within the existing imperial framework.

They believed in working with the British administration to achieve greater Indian representation in government and address economic grievances.

However, their moderate approach gradually gave way to more radical forms of resistance as disillusionment with British rule grew.

Mahatma Gandhi and the Rise of Non-Violent Resistance

The emergence of Mahatma Gandhi in the early 20th century marked a turning point in the Indian independence movement. Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha, or non-violent resistance, provided a powerful new strategy for challenging British authority.

Through mass protests, civil disobedience, and boycotts of British goods, Gandhi mobilized millions of Indians to resist colonial rule peacefully. His leadership inspired a generation of activists and fundamentally altered the dynamics of the independence movement.

Other Key Figures and Movements

Other prominent figures, such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, played crucial roles in shaping the INC's strategy and mobilizing support for independence.

Simultaneously, revolutionary groups like the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, led by Bhagat Singh, embraced more radical tactics, including armed struggle, to achieve their goals.

African Resistance: Diverse Strategies, Common Goal

Across the African continent, colonized populations mounted diverse forms of resistance against European domination. From armed struggles to religious movements, Africans challenged imperial rule in various ways.

Armed Resistance and Early Uprisings

Armed resistance was a common response to European colonization. Examples include the Maji Maji Rebellion in German East Africa (present-day Tanzania) and the resistance led by Samori Touré in West Africa.

These uprisings, often characterized by fierce fighting and heavy casualties, demonstrated the determination of Africans to defend their sovereignty. Although ultimately unsuccessful in overthrowing colonial rule, they served as powerful symbols of resistance and inspired future generations.

Religious and Cultural Movements

Religious movements also played a significant role in resisting imperialism. The Zionist Christian Church in South Africa, for example, provided a space for Africans to assert their cultural identity and challenge the racial hierarchies of the colonial system.

Similarly, cultural movements focused on preserving indigenous traditions and languages helped to resist the cultural assimilation promoted by European powers.

Political Organization and the Rise of Nationalism

As in India, political organization became increasingly important in the fight against colonialism. The formation of nationalist movements, such as the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa, marked a shift towards more organized and sustained resistance.

These movements advocated for self-governance and challenged the legitimacy of colonial rule through political activism, lobbying, and international advocacy.

Leaders like Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana and Jomo Kenyatta in Kenya played pivotal roles in mobilizing popular support for independence and negotiating the transfer of power from colonial authorities.

By examining the diverse forms of resistance employed by colonized populations, we gain a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of the imperial encounter. These voices of defiance challenge the notion of unchallenged European dominance and highlight the agency and resilience of those who fought for self-determination.

Voices of Defiance: Resistance to Imperialism Justifying Domination: Political and Ideological Justifications for Imperialism

The economic and technological forces driving New Imperialism were undeniable, but they were insufficient on their own to propel such widespread colonial expansion. A crucial element in legitimizing this era of domination was the imperial powers themselves. Let us examine these empires under the microscope to consider examples of their colonial holdings and how they shaped the modern world.

Empires Under the Microscope: Case Studies of Imperialism

To fully grasp the complexities of New Imperialism, it is essential to examine specific examples of imperial powers and their colonial holdings. By analyzing the motivations, methods, and consequences of imperial expansion in different regions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences of both colonizers and colonized. This section will delve into the roles of Great Britain, Germany, France, and Belgium, as well as case studies of India, China, and the Congo Free State.

Great Britain: The Sun Never Sets

Great Britain, arguably the most dominant imperial power of the era, established a vast global empire that spanned continents. Fueled by its industrial might and naval supremacy, Britain sought to secure access to raw materials, markets, and strategic locations. Its colonial possessions included vast swathes of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, each governed under varying degrees of control.

The Mechanics of British Imperial Control

The British Empire employed a diverse range of strategies to maintain control over its colonies, from direct rule in some regions to indirect rule through local elites in others.

The British East India Company, initially a trading enterprise, gradually expanded its political and military power, eventually controlling much of the Indian subcontinent.

British administrators, soldiers, and entrepreneurs established a presence in colonies worldwide, shaping the political, economic, and social landscape.

Germany's Pursuit of Empire: A Latecomer's Ambition

Germany, unified in 1871, entered the imperial race relatively late compared to Britain and France. Driven by a desire for prestige, resources, and strategic advantage, Germany sought to establish its own colonial empire in Africa and the Pacific.

Germany's African Colonies

German colonies in Africa, including present-day Namibia, Tanzania, and Cameroon, were acquired through a combination of diplomacy, military force, and treaties with local rulers.

However, German colonial rule was often characterized by brutality and exploitation, particularly in its suppression of indigenous resistance movements.

The Herero and Namaqua genocide in German South-West Africa remains a stark reminder of the atrocities committed in the name of imperial ambition.

France's Colonial Expansion: A Civilizing Mission?

France, seeking to restore its national pride and assert its global influence, embarked on a program of colonial expansion in Africa and Asia. French colonial ideology often emphasized the notion of a "civilizing mission," justifying imperial rule as a means of bringing progress and enlightenment to "backward" societies.

French Colonies in Indochina and Africa

French Indochina, comprising present-day Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, became a major focus of French colonial ambitions, driven by economic interests and strategic considerations.

In Africa, France established a vast colonial empire that stretched across West and North Africa, exploiting resources and imposing French culture and administration.

Belgium's Brutal Colonization: The Congo Free State

Belgium, under the personal rule of King Leopold II, established a particularly brutal and exploitative regime in the Congo Free State (present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo). Driven by a thirst for ivory and rubber, Leopold's regime subjected the Congolese population to forced labor, mutilation, and mass murder.

Exploitation and Atrocity

The Congo Free State became notorious for its systematic exploitation of resources and the appalling treatment of the Congolese people.

Estimates suggest that millions of Congolese people died as a result of Leopold's brutal policies, making it one of the most egregious examples of colonial exploitation in history.

The atrocities committed in the Congo Free State sparked international outrage and eventually led to Leopold being forced to cede control of the colony to the Belgian state.

India: The Jewel in the Crown

India, the "Jewel in the Crown" of the British Empire, was a vast and diverse land that held immense economic and strategic importance for Britain. British rule in India transformed the country's economy, society, and political landscape, with both positive and negative consequences.

Impact of British Rule

The British introduced modern infrastructure, education, and legal systems to India, but also imposed discriminatory policies, exploited resources, and suppressed indigenous industries.

Indian nationalism emerged as a powerful force in response to British rule, with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi advocating for self-determination and independence.

China and the Opium Wars: A Century of Humiliation

China, once a powerful and prosperous empire, faced increasing pressure from European powers seeking access to its markets and resources. The Opium Wars, fought between Britain and China in the mid-19th century, marked a turning point in Chinese history, leading to a century of humiliation and foreign domination.

Decline of the Qing Dynasty

The Opium Wars weakened the Qing Dynasty and forced China to sign unequal treaties that granted foreign powers significant economic and political concessions.

China's experience during this period serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of imperialism and the importance of national sovereignty.

A World Transformed: Consequences of Imperialism

The resistance movements, though valiant, could not fully stem the tide of imperial expansion. The full ramifications of New Imperialism rippled across the globe, leaving an indelible mark on both the colonizers and the colonized. Understanding these consequences is critical to grasping the world we inhabit today.

Economic Exploitation and Dependency

Economic exploitation formed the bedrock of the colonial relationship. Colonies were systematically integrated into the global capitalist system as suppliers of raw materials and consumers of manufactured goods. This extraction, often achieved through forced labor or unequal trade agreements, devastated local economies.

The introduction of cash crops, such as cotton or rubber, displaced traditional agriculture, leading to food insecurity and vulnerability to price fluctuations in international markets. The deliberate suppression of local industries, designed to protect the markets of the imperial power, further entrenched economic dependency.

Infrastructure projects, while seemingly beneficial, were primarily designed to facilitate the extraction of resources and the movement of goods to benefit the colonizer, rarely serving the long-term developmental needs of the colony. This resulted in a skewed economic landscape, where wealth flowed outwards, leaving a legacy of underdevelopment.

Political Domination and Cultural Disruption

The imposition of foreign rule fundamentally altered the political landscape of colonized regions. Traditional systems of governance were dismantled, replaced by European administrative structures that often lacked legitimacy in the eyes of the local population. This created a power vacuum and contributed to long-term political instability.

Furthermore, colonial powers often employed a "divide and rule" strategy, exacerbating existing ethnic or religious tensions to maintain control. This deliberate manipulation of social dynamics had devastating consequences, laying the groundwork for future conflicts.

The cultural impact of imperialism was equally profound. European languages, educational systems, and cultural norms were imposed upon colonized societies, often leading to the suppression of indigenous cultures and traditions. This cultural domination fostered a sense of inferiority and alienation among colonized populations, a phenomenon known as cultural imperialism.

The forced assimilation of colonized people, particularly through education, created a class of individuals who were both integrated into and alienated from their own societies. This "hybrid identity" often resulted in complex social and political tensions.

Benefits and Challenges for Imperial Powers

While the consequences for colonized populations were overwhelmingly negative, imperial powers also faced a complex mix of benefits and challenges. The influx of resources and wealth from colonies fueled industrial growth and raised the standard of living in Europe. Colonial possessions provided strategic advantages, expanding military power and geopolitical influence.

However, the maintenance of empires was costly, requiring significant investment in military forces, infrastructure, and administration. The constant threat of rebellion and resistance necessitated repressive measures, undermining the moral legitimacy of colonial rule.

The rivalry between imperial powers often led to conflicts, both within Europe and in colonial territories. These conflicts, such as the Boer Wars, strained resources and fueled nationalist tensions.

Ultimately, the supposed benefits of empire were often outweighed by the moral and political costs. The contradictions between the ideals of democracy and liberty espoused in Europe and the reality of colonial oppression eroded the credibility of imperial powers on the world stage. The seeds of their eventual decline were sown within the very act of imperial domination.

So, there you have it. Industrialism and imperialism: quite the pair, right? It's easy to see how did industrialism lead to imperialism when you look at the demand for resources and markets. It fundamentally reshaped the world, for better or worse, and understanding that connection is key to grasping so much of our modern history. Food for thought, eh?