The Rest Is History 141. General Gordon: The Ultimate Victorian Hero
Jan 24, 2022
Dive into the life of General Charles George Gordon, a Victorian icon and tragic hero. Discover the complexities of his legacy, from his humanitarian efforts to his moral ambiguities. Unpack his significant military roles in conflicts like the Crimean War and Taiping Rebellion. Explore the impact of his death in Khartoum and how public perception evolved over time. The narrative shifts to 19th-century China, showcasing Gordon’s unique leadership and struggles with fame, while highlighting his philanthropic initiatives.
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McGonagall's Poem
- Tom Holland reads William McGonagall's poem about General Gordon's death.
- The poem highlights Gordon as a Christian hero and a great loss to England.
Gordon's Impact
- General Gordon's death in 1885 significantly impacted Victorian Britain.
- Lytton Strachey later critiqued Gordon's heroic image in "Eminent Victorians."
Gordon's Career
- General Gordon served in the Crimean War, China, and the Sudan.
- He fought against the Taiping Rebellion and the Mahdi, seeing himself as a religious figure.