Jingoism

Jingoism is a term describing chauvinistic patriotism, especially with regard to a warmongering political stance.

The term originated in Britain in the 1870s, at the time of a conflict between Russia and the Ottoman Empire. Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli counseled neutrality in the conflict, to the consternation of many in Britain. The chorus of a song commonly sung in pubs at the time gave birth to the term:

We don't want to fight

But, by jingo, if we do,

We've got the ships,

We've got the men,

We've got the money, too.

Attributed to G.H. MacDermott

During the 19th century in the United States, this attitude was called spread-eagleism. "Jingoism" did not enter the U.S. vernacular until the twentieth century.

External link

• MacDermott song lyrics