The modern concept of history emerged in the 18th century, alongside the idea of historical progress. Although the notion of progress has been subject to criticism—especially because of its role in legitimizing colonial violence—the concept of history has so far not been subjected to comparable critical scrutiny. In this lecture, Katherina Kinzel explores the intertwined history of the concepts of “progress” and “history” and asks whether “history” is, like “progress,” intrinsically connected to destruction and violence.
