From Colonial Action to Imperial Thought: Admiral Aube (1826–1890)

Admiral Aube (1826–1890) played an important part in French colonialism. His books raised key questions: why and how to expand and defend the French Empire? With what implications? Aube portrays colonial policy as a vital necessity for French economy. Moreover, it will promote reconciliation among the French after decades of civil conflict, stretching from the 1789 Revolution to the Paris Commune of 1871. According to Aube indeed, one of the essential goals of French colonization is to suppress slavery: however, both Catholic conservatives and Republican progressives can agree on this goal. Regarding the land defense of French colonies against a British aggression – for Aube writes in a context of fierce colonial rivalry between Paris and London – he relies on native troops who, he thinks, see France as an emancipatory power. As for the maritime defense of the colonies, Aube intends to entrust it to torpedo boats who will not just attack the Royal Navy, but also enemy maritime trade in order to paralyze British economy and to terrorize British public opinion. He justifies these measures with three reasons : first, everything is legitimate against the enemy in a struggle for life; second, England has never cared about justice; and finally, the fear of total war will have a deterrent effect, thus pushing nations toward establishing perpetual peace. Thus Aube’s colonial thought leads to a general theory of international relations supporting the perspective of total war.