ISIS is the Modern Version of Early British Colonialism

Framework: Wow, that is really amazing stuff. Though there are a couple "gaps""if you will"in some of your statements that I would like to address. I will address each paragraph one at a time (I will try to stay as organized as you, lol): Intent: 1.You are very much correct by saying European colonists did not originally leave their homeland to steal foreign land. Like you said, one of the main motivations was economic reasons; but, religious freedom was just as big of a contributor (LibraryofCongress.gov). The three motivations for European colonists that you listed were to gain capital, resources, and spread their influence. Does that not sound a lot like ISIS? -Capital gain: thought ISIS does not want to sell land, and will not at pretty much any cost, -Resources: in order to keep itself running, ISIS steals oil, a lot of oil. In fact, ISIS profits around $8 to $10 million every month (NBCNews.com). Daniel Glaser, the assistant secretary of treasury for terrorist financing told NBC News "in a one-month period earlier this year, ISIL (ISIS) made about $40 million in one month off of the sale of oil"about $500 million in the course a year" (NBCNews.com). Taking over small towns and cities also has other major benefits, like gaining slave labor, more militants, vehicles and oil, possibly weapons and ammunition, and valuable shelter and hiding locations from enemy forces. -Spreading their influence: ISIS" entire purpose is to spread its influence. An article in The Atlantic titled "What ISIS Really Wants" stated that ISIS believes it "is a key agent of the coming apocalypse" (TheAtlantic.com). In Islam, the "apocalypse" is a peek into the future given by God. But ISIS differs from other jihadist groups because they believe the apocalypse "is written into God"s script as a central character" (The Atlantic). In an article by The Library of Congress, European settlers fled their homelands in the seventeenth century in order to occupy a "free" land, even if they had to fight for it, for the sake of religious freedom. That is essentially the same motivation ISIS has; but when speaking specifically, ISIS is working toward their own religious goal. Both Christians and Catholics believe that Christ will return, but will rain fire upon all unbelievers, officially creating two distinct worlds. So both religions believe an apocalypse will come, the only difference is how it will unfold. And you are also correct that for the overwhelming majority of countries taken over through European colonization were not taken with the Europeans docking their ships and running guns blazing. For a really classic example, as soon as the first European settlers"not Lewis and Clark, they were explorers"got off their ships and started to just trek the beach, Natives ambushed them, their intentions very clear that they did not want any foreigners there. 2.I do not want it to sound like I am defending the Islamic State at ALL, but ISIS kills many opposing militants, not just journalists and non-believers who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. European settlers also murdered thousands upon thousands of innocent people in the name of God. Sometimes even acting like ISIS by having a "convert or die" mindset. For example, the Spanish mercenaries traveled to South America to spread the word of God and claim land. In the process of using God to justify their actions, they killed many people, militants and civilians included. -And yes, ISIS is a caliphate. Based off the definition of a caliphate that you got from BBC, and the United States and Europe could be argued to be a caliphate. Except the motivation behind the U.S. and Europe is not strictly religion, it is a mixture of things (economic largely, political, for capital, and more). In terms of religion, countries around the world"but mainly the U.S. and Europe"have missionaries (not affiliated with the government) that go into different countries, preaching the world of God in an attempt to get people to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. Though it is not violent like ISIS, both are religious movements, and sole purpose of the government and people "preaching" their religion are extremely violent in doing so. 3.Acts of terror are very much heinous as you say, but they are very similar to that of British colonialism. An article titled " " by ___ is written Consequences: 1.The after effects of English settlers was largely good, that is through the lens of those who are dependent on democracy. What do the Native Americans think about English settlers taking over their land and to this very day leaving them to perish? Other people have had that same question to, so there are quite a few stories with natives" responses to that question. One Native American, ___ ____, said " " ( ). So like I said, the outcome that the Europeans had depends on what ethnic, racial, and economic (just a few) lenses you look through. Speaking of which, Spinning off of that, ISIS has the same goal as European settlers, but its objects and how it will achieve those goals is different. ISIS promises men who join money, eternal life in the afterlife"with seventy-two virgins, and something worthwhile to fight for. Though that may not sound like it was on the same level as an entire democracy, it holds nearly the same significance. Just like why the followers of the Europeans that paved the way for them were excited to have a new life, in a new land, with new rules, the same applies for new members of ISIS. In addressed why people (specifically young women) join the Islamic State even though they know what they are getting into. In reply to the interviewer, , Dr. __ stated " ", and later continued to say " " (RTMedia.com). And just as a side note, the United States or Britain does not have the "biggest military superpower in the world. Technically, China has the biggest military superpower in the world since there are 1.2 million troops in the PLA. How did you get the JPEG or PNG image posted? I had no clue that could be done, XP. Sorry for having so many blank responses! I"ll try to fill them in later, I only have a 30 seconds to post!