Jingoism and Russophobia in Public Opinion and the Politics of Great Britain in the 19th Century

Abstract

The article analyses the causes and features of development of Russophobe and Jingoist movement in the 19th century. They became the expression of traditional anti-Russian moods of British middle classes during the period of strained relations between the Russian Empire and Great Britain. The author believes that the main reason for the emergence of Russophobia should be considered the development of parliamentary institutions in the UK throughout the century. This led to a significant increase and activation of the electorate, which began to have a serious impact on the process of shaping the British foreign policy course. The British political leadership was forced to reckon with the public opinion of the country, with the mood of its potential voters. Therefore, it actively supported and directed Russophobic sentiments in the country. According to the author, Jingoism was an extreme reactionary Imperial ideology cultivated the racist and chauvinistic ideas. The ruling circles of the country actively used Russophobe and Jingoism as ideological cover for the conduct of its foreign policy.