He also suggests non-economic reasons as well, however, in this address to the French Assembly. As mentioned above, he suggests that colonization is in the best interest of France in order for it to be able to protect its people. A strong Navy is essential in that protection, and a strong Navy can only be had if it has readily accessible ports. Furthermore, though, he suggests that if the French do not indeed “take part in the affairs of the world” (Jules Ferry: On French Colonial Expansion, n.d.), they may as well abdicate their position as a thriving, international power and kick back and watch the rest of the Western powers take over the