Where Did the Phrase 'History is Written by the Victor' Come From?

The phrase 'history is written by the victor' suggests that the accounts of historical events are often shaped by those who win conflicts, leading to a biased perspective that favors the winners. While the exact origin of the phrase is unclear, it encapsulates a sentiment that has been expressed in various forms throughout history.

Early References to the Idea

One of the earliest known references to this idea can be attributed to the 19th-century historian Walter Benjamin, who discussed the concept in his writings. However, the sentiment has been echoed by many historians and thinkers over time, including George Orwell, who famously wrote in his novel 1984.

The Phrase and Its Variations

The phrase itself is not attributed to a specific individual but is a paraphrase of a broader historical understanding that victors tend to dominate the narrative of events, often marginalizing or erasing the perspectives of the defeated. This view was famously expressed by Winston Churchill, who was actually repeating earlier sources. Interestingly, in the thriller 'The Report,' the actor Adam Driver playing the role of Senator Daniel J. Jones argues with his prospective defense attorney over who uttered the phrase. The lawyer attributes the quote to Winston Churchill, while the senator refutes it by citing an earlier reiteration of Hermann Gring.

Original German Quotation

In the original German, Gring is reported to have said, 'Der Sieger wird immer der Richter und der Besiegte stets der Angeklagte sein,' which translates to 'The victor will always be the judge and the vanquished the accused.' Objectively, this quotation was in use long before either Churchill or Gring uttered their variations. There are many versions of the quotation in English, German, French, and Italian, although most of its early instances do not contain the known format. According to researcher Garson O’Toole, the earliest sources for the quotation can be traced back to instances in French from 1842, and in Italian from 1852, and possibly earlier in English.

Evidence in Historical Context

For example, a description of the defeated Maximilien Robespierre, the nefarious Jacobin protagonist of the French Revolution, reported that 'his history having been written by the winners' left a cursed memory. However, in each case, these quotes were not broad pronouncements about the nature of history itself but emerged toward the end of the 19th century, reflecting the growing consciousness of the way history is constructed.

Conclusion

While the exact origin of the phrase 'history is written by the victor' is elusive, the concept it encapsulates has been a recurring theme in the study of history. The way we perceive and understand the past is often influenced by the victors, and this has significant implications for how we interpret and learn from history. As such, it is crucial to critically examine historical narratives and to consider multiple perspectives to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the events of the past.

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Related Keywords

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