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Abstract

Contemporary polar historiography is split between two interpretations. One places the requirement to demonstrate racial superiority at the heart of their analysis. The other views science as the most important motivating and legitimising force. Both interpretations draw upon a wide variety of cultural, societal, and political factors, and as such contribute much to a polar historiography that has long been dominated by a few great figures. However, both are flawed in the way they approach this understudied niche. They are constrained by a sometimes narrow view of the period, meaning that important caveats are not properly analysed. By analysing both of these interpretations as they are used in two key texts, this dissertation will argue that in order to strengthen this area of study both narratives must be used to balance the other.

Course: History - BA (Hons) - C1087

Date Deposited: 2024-09-20

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14454.html