The Victorian belief that the British were a 'chosen people' of history
In short: In the nineteenth century, British superiority was framed as a divine mandate. This ideology suggested that the English were a chosen race appointed to perform great work for humanity. This belief was reinforced by a synthesis of religion and science, portraying other European nations as inherently inferior or backward.
During the Victorian era, British attitudes toward Germany reached levels of racism that Professor Richard J. Evans describes as nearly comic. Germans were frequently depicted with grotesque physical caricatures—described as "herring-gutted, spindle-shanked, [and] goiter-necked"—and were characterized as a "filthy, barbarous" people. This hostility was not an isolated prejudice but was deeply embedded in the broader Victorian worldview of empire and race.
This sense of superiority was rooted in a synthesis of science and religion. The British viewed themselves as "one of the chosen people of history," tasked with a "glorious work" to replenish and subdue the earth. This ideology suggested that other European nations, such as the French, Italians, and Spanish, were inherently "lazy and backward" or "excitable and unstable" compared to the supposed "best breed in the world."
The Victorian perspective was reinforced by the contrast between Britain's rapid industrialization and the perceived decay of the Continent. As Britain underwent a "sanitary revolution" and expanded its railway networks, travelers felt they were stepping back in time when visiting Europe. This reinforced the narrative of British progress against a backdrop of continental decline, a sentiment echoed in contemporary art and literature that mourned the "evanescence of empire."
Even contemporary satirists recognized this arrogance. Publications like Punch magazine frequently lampooned the English traveler for their lack of awareness of local customs and failure to master foreign languages. Despite these internal critiques, the overarching narrative remained one of innate superiority, fueled by the belief that Britain's climate and nature had rendered its people uniquely capable of leading mankind.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The British View of Germany: Victorian Racism - Professor Richard J Evans, Gresham College
- Also: The Victorians: Empire and Race
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/ideas-the-british-view-of-germany-victorian-racism-professor-richa.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
