I am preparing for further involvement in Africa and Asia. We have a duty to civilize the inferior races of people.

I haven’t had a job for months. Moving to Algeria is a chance to start over, begin a new life, and have some adventure along the way.

In Africa and Asia are millions of natives who do not know the blessings of Christianity. France should expand overseas to spread the word of God.

After our humiliating defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, we need to regain our dignity. In today’s world, prestige goes to those nations with influence around the world.

To compete with the British and the Germans, France needs raw materials for industry. Africa could provide resources, laborers and customers to buy our goods.

We French are among the most enlightened and knowledgeable peoples in the world. We should spread our culture of enlightenment and gather new knowledge.