The crucial “Social Darwinist” element of Lugard’s “The Rise of Our East African Empire” is arguably the desire expressed in the text to “civilize” the African. Namely, Lugard, by stating the mission of civilization of the African, confers a value to civilization. He construes Christian and European civilization as the apex of humanity, for example, when he states that the African “savage” can recognize the distinction of the European “gentlemen.”

His entire mission to “civilize” the African is predicated on the value of civilization and the possibility to civilize. In other words, this is a Social Darwinist position in two main senses. Firstly, for Lugard, only civilizations have the capability to survive since they rise above the brute level of the savage. The struggle which Lugard identifies is between civilization and savagery. Civilization holds the stronger hand and shall win out in this battle. Secondly, the African despite his “savagery”, also has the potential to rise to this level and therefore for the survival of the African it is required in Lugard’s view to adhere European norms, which are superior to alternative norms.

The methods which Lugard proposes to civilize the Africans are also tied to, firstly, the presumed superiority of European civilization and, secondly, the potential to include the Africans within the ambit of European civilization. However, the inclusion of the Africans is premised on firstly eradicating previous customs and traditions. This is why Lugard suggests, for example, that missions should be focused on youth. Lugard believes that the older generation is too committed to its particular form of life and remains hostile to change.

However, if the youth are educated in Western ways, the superiority of the latter will soon become apparent to the community as a whole and Africa will be included into the realm of civilizations, throwing off what Lugard terms the “yoke” of “savagery.” In other words, crucial to Lugard’s methodology is that the Africans themselves will recognize the innate supremacy of European culture. The European culture, namely, for Lugard is naturally superior and therefore will overcome the “savagery” of the Other.