Historical Evolution

One problem with historians is the Whig interpretation of history which is really IMO two problems:

1. the belief that the course of history inevitably led to current society, usually through the actions and decisions of men--often white and elite, though there's room for the MLKs of the world, adn
2. the belief that current society is good ("the glorious present").

Unfortunately some current historians throw out no.2 but keep no. 1. This is a tweet from yesterday:

The modern concept of race was introduced to North America to make working or lower class solidarity more difficult. It is still doing that. https://t.co/SpiLOfn6QR

— Sam Haselby (@samhaselby) March 7, 2022

I think the phrasing implies there was conscious intent.  I don't believe that.