Chapter 110: Image Civilization
Ernst recognized the necessity of further immigration to East Africa in order to ensure its security and stability. Unlike British colonies like Canada and Australia, East Africa lacked the support of a powerful empire. Therefore, a larger population was essential for its security.
He understood that the key to maintaining rule in East Africa was to continually strengthen the sense of identity among immigrants, assimilate their unique cultures, and ultimately create a distinctive East African cultural identity. However, Ernst was clear that he wouldn't resort to Western ethnocentrism or racism in this endeavor.
In the East African history textbooks, Ernst positioned the origin of humanity in East Africa, dividing humanity into three branches: West African, Eurasian, and brown. He explained the variation in skin color as a result of environmental and genetic factors.
Ernst also recognized the potential for cultural assimilation through education. While acknowledging that the cost of transforming the indigenous population's culture was high due to historical influences, he believed that education could still be a transformative force.
Ernst took responsibility for the treatment of black aborigines in East Africa, even if he admitted their potential for transformation through education. He emphasized the importance of immigrants understanding their identity as East African Germans and contributing to the future of the motherland.
Maximilian I approved of Ernst's textbooks, as he had experience ruling over indigenous populations in Mexico. The classification of races into a single human family and the adoption of certain aspects of Darwin's theory aimed to reduce conflicts among different races in East Africa.
Ernst recognized that his actions in the colonization of East Africa bore significant stains. However, he believed that the passage of time and the continuity of East African civilization would eventually lead to recognition of his achievements, even if they were achieved through the suffering of indigenous people.
Ernst aimed to shape a unified national cultural identity for East Africa, based on the theory of cultural conversion. He sought to promote German culture as the dominant influence in East Africa, not limited to ethnic Germans but to all those willing to live according to German cultural values.
This approach broadened the concept of "Germany" to "German civilization" in East Africa. For German immigrants, it meant preserving the influence of German culture. For non-German immigrants, it provided a theoretical basis for integration into East African life based on acceptance and agreement with German culture.
Ernst emphasized the need for equality of identity among all races in East Africa, including indigenous people. While he had pursued harsh policies against black aborigines, he firmly asserted that there were no inherent differences in intelligence or other aspects among races.
Ernst recognized the deliberate nature of his actions, knowing that he was committing crimes for personal benefit. He was aware that, compared to Western colonists who justified their actions by deeming blacks an inferior race, his approach was more ruthless and calculated, as he knowingly committed crimes while understanding their implications.