The passing of the great race; or, The racial basis of European history

"The Passing of the Great Race; or, The Racial Basis of European History" by Madison Grant connects race to the historical trajectory of European societies, arguing that heredity plays a more crucial role than either nationality or language in determining historical outcomes. It introduces the idea that to truly grasp history, understanding hereditary traits is paramount, setting the stage for an examination of how biological factors influence historical events. It looks at European races through the lenses of their distinct characteristics and primitive roots, extending its analysis to address the social and racial implications relevant today. It intends to clarify the distinctions between race, language, and nationality, while it highlights the author's views on the significance of studying racial influences in historical narratives.