Martial race theory

Abstract

Martial race theory affected policies of military recruitment and conscription throughout the British and French empires. This ideology established a racial hierarchy based on climatic theories, physical qualities, and perceived behavioral characteristics, and colonial authorities sought to identify indigenous peoples in Asia and Africa naturally suited for military service. However, the classification of groups as inherently militaristic and their disproportionate presence in colonial forces was more often due to their acceptance of colonial authority instead of some innate fearlessness or capacity for violence.