Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Georges Vacher de Lapouge Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Home Return to Study Hints Random
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: Georges Vacher de Lapouge: Anthropologist and Eugenics Theorist

Cheat Sheet:
Georges Vacher de Lapouge: Anthropologist and Eugenics Theorist Study Guide

Biography and Education

Georges Vacher de Lapouge's academic renown is primarily attributed to his work as a French historian specializing in medieval literature.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source material identifies Georges Vacher de Lapouge not as a historian of medieval literature, but as a prominent French anthropologist and a leading theoretician of eugenics and scientific racism.

Return to Game

Georges Vacher de Lapouge was born in the early 20th century and died in the mid-20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: Georges Vacher de Lapouge was born in 1854 and died in 1936, placing his life span primarily within the 19th and early 20th centuries, not the early 20th and mid-20th centuries.

Return to Game

After obtaining his law degree, Vacher de Lapouge pursued a career as a university professor of law.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following his legal studies, Vacher de Lapouge initially pursued a career as a magistrate and prosecutor, rather than becoming a university professor of law.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge studied history and philology at the Sorbonne and later became proficient in Akkadian and Chinese.

Answer: True

Explanation: Post-legal career, Vacher de Lapouge engaged in advanced studies in history and philology at the École pratique des hautes études and acquired proficiency in languages such as Akkadian and Chinese.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge taught anthropology at the University of Montpellier but was expelled due to his radical eugenic theories.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Vacher de Lapouge taught anthropology at Montpellier and was expelled, the expulsion was due to his socialist political activities, not directly for his eugenic theories.

Return to Game

During his time in Montpellier, Vacher de Lapouge was involved in founding a political party associated with Jules Guesde.

Answer: True

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge was indeed politically active during his Montpellier tenure, co-founding the French Workers' Party with Jules Guesde.

Return to Game

Following his expulsion from Montpellier, Vacher de Lapouge worked as a librarian at the University of Paris until his retirement.

Answer: False

Explanation: Subsequent to his expulsion from Montpellier, Vacher de Lapouge served as a librarian, but at the University of Rennes, not Paris.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge studied Akkadian, Egyptian, Hebrew, Chinese, and Japanese at the University of Poitiers.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Vacher de Lapouge studied these languages, his linguistic studies were undertaken at institutions in Paris, such as the École du Louvre and the School of Anthropology, not at the University of Poitiers.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge's primary academic disciplines were law and anthropology, focusing on race and heredity.

Answer: True

Explanation: Georges Vacher de Lapouge's academic foundation was in law, and his subsequent scholarly work centered on anthropology, with a particular emphasis on the study of race and heredity.

Return to Game

Who was Georges Vacher de Lapouge primarily recognized as?

Answer: A French anthropologist known as a theoretician of eugenics and scientific racism.

Explanation: Georges Vacher de Lapouge is primarily recognized as a French anthropologist who developed influential theories within the fields of eugenics and scientific racism.

Return to Game

According to the source, when and where was Georges Vacher de Lapouge born?

Answer: December 12, 1854, in Neuville-de-Poitou, France

Explanation: Georges Vacher de Lapouge was born on December 12, 1854, in Neuville-de-Poitou, France.

Return to Game

What was Vacher de Lapouge's initial professional path after completing his law studies?

Answer: He worked as a magistrate and prosecutor.

Explanation: Upon completing his legal education, Vacher de Lapouge embarked on a professional career as a magistrate and prosecutor.

Return to Game

Where did Vacher de Lapouge pursue studies in history, philology, and several languages after his legal career?

Answer: École pratique des hautes études, École du Louvre, and School of Anthropology in Paris

Explanation: After his legal career, Vacher de Lapouge pursued advanced studies in history, philology, and various languages at institutions in Paris, including the École pratique des hautes études, École du Louvre, and the School of Anthropology.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge taught anthropology at the University of Montpellier, but why was he expelled?

Answer: For engaging in socialist political activities.

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge's expulsion from the University of Montpellier was attributed to his involvement in socialist political activities, not directly to his eugenic theories.

Return to Game

What was Vacher de Lapouge's role after leaving his position at the University of Montpellier?

Answer: He worked as a librarian at the University of Rennes.

Explanation: Following his departure from the University of Montpellier, Vacher de Lapouge assumed the position of librarian at the University of Rennes.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge studied several ancient and non-European languages. Which of the following was NOT among them according to the source?

Answer: Sanskrit

Explanation: The source indicates Vacher de Lapouge studied Akkadian, Egyptian, Hebrew, Chinese, and Japanese, but Sanskrit is not mentioned among them.

Return to Game

Intellectual Influences and Foundations

Vacher de Lapouge's early intellectual development was significantly influenced by the works of Herbert Spencer and Charles Darwin.

Answer: True

Explanation: During his tenure as a law student, Vacher de Lapouge's intellectual trajectory was notably shaped by the influential writings of Herbert Spencer and Charles Darwin.

Return to Game

Anthroposociology, founded by Vacher de Lapouge, aimed to study race using anthropological and sociological methods to establish the superiority of certain peoples.

Answer: True

Explanation: Anthroposociology, a field pioneered by Vacher de Lapouge, employed anthropological and sociological methodologies with the explicit objective of demonstrating the hierarchical ranking and inherent superiority of particular racial groups.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge translated the works of Charles Darwin into French to promote evolutionary biology.

Answer: False

Explanation: While influenced by Darwin, Vacher de Lapouge did not translate Darwin's works into French. He did, however, translate Ernst Haeckel's work on monism.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge translated Ernst Haeckel's work on genetics into French.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge translated Ernst Haeckel's work on monism, not specifically on genetics, into French.

Return to Game

What was the name of the field Vacher de Lapouge founded, dedicated to the anthropological and sociological study of race?

Answer: Anthroposociology

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge founded the field known as 'Anthroposociology,' which combined anthropological and sociological methodologies for the study of race.

Return to Game

Which thinkers significantly influenced Vacher de Lapouge during his time as a law student?

Answer: Herbert Spencer and Charles Darwin

Explanation: During his legal studies, Vacher de Lapouge was profoundly influenced by the sociological and evolutionary theories of Herbert Spencer and Charles Darwin.

Return to Game

Key Theories and Publications

Vacher de Lapouge's 1899 book, *L'Aryen: son Rôle Social*, presented a racial classification system contrasting dolichocephalic and brachycephalic races.

Answer: True

Explanation: The seminal 1899 publication by Vacher de Lapouge, *L'Aryen: son Rôle Social*, indeed introduced a racial taxonomy based on the distinction between dolichocephalic and brachycephalic cranial types.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge categorized the 'Homo alpinus' type as representing the purest form of the dolichocephalic 'Aryan' race.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge classified 'Homo alpinus' as a distinct dolichocephalic type, but he associated the 'Homo europaeus' (Nordic) type with the purest form of the 'Aryan' race, not 'Homo alpinus'.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge believed that social class was determined by education and opportunity, not by inherent racial characteristics.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to this statement, Vacher de Lapouge posited that social class and human characteristics were fundamentally determined by inherent racial traits, not by education or opportunity.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge used the term 'selectionism' to describe his application of eugenics principles to the study of races.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'selectionism,' as employed by Vacher de Lapouge, denoted his methodology of applying eugenics principles to the systematic study and classification of human races.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge identified the Jewish people as the primary competitor to the Aryan race.

Answer: True

Explanation: In his racial theories, Vacher de Lapouge explicitly designated the Jewish population as the principal rival to the 'Aryan' race, asserting their capacity for dominance.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge believed that education was the primary factor in shaping human character, overriding hereditary traits.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge fundamentally believed that heredity was the sole determinant of human characteristics, asserting that education and environmental factors had negligible impact on character.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge identified political, military, and religious factors as forms of 'social selection' that negatively impacted the Aryan race.

Answer: True

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge posited that various societal mechanisms, including political, military, and religious practices, constituted detrimental forms of 'social selection' that adversely affected the 'Aryan' race.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge believed that racial cross-breeding could enhance the characteristics of superior races.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge contended that racial cross-breeding invariably diminished the qualities of superior races, advocating for strict segregation rather than enhancement through mixing.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge believed that social factors could significantly uplift individuals deemed racially inferior.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge maintained that biological racial characteristics were immutable and that social factors possessed minimal capacity to elevate individuals considered racially inferior.

Return to Game

An inconsistency noted in Vacher de Lapouge's work was his claim that Aryans were superior yet simultaneously degenerating due to social factors.

Answer: True

Explanation: Scholars have observed an inconsistency in Vacher de Lapouge's arguments, noting his assertion of Aryan superiority alongside the claim that social factors were causing their degeneration.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge argued that socialism needed to be 'selectionist' to effectively identify and utilize racially based abilities.

Answer: True

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge contended that for socialism to be effective, it must adopt a 'selectionist' approach, enabling the identification and exploitation of inherent racial aptitudes.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge classified races based on skin color, contrasting fair-skinned Europeans with darker-skinned populations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge's racial classifications were primarily based on cranial morphology (head shape), such as dolichocephalic and brachycephalic, rather than skin color.

Return to Game

What was the central thesis of Vacher de Lapouge's 1899 book, *L'Aryen: son Rôle Social*?

Answer: A racial classification system contrasting dolichocephalic and brachycephalic races.

Explanation: The primary thesis of Vacher de Lapouge's 1899 work, *L'Aryen: son Rôle Social*, was the presentation of a racial classification system that differentiated between dolichocephalic and brachycephalic populations.

Return to Game

Within his racial classification, Vacher de Lapouge associated the 'Aryan' concept primarily with which head shape?

Answer: Dolichocephalic (long-headed)

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge's racial taxonomy linked the 'Aryan' concept predominantly with the dolichocephalic (long-headed) cranial type.

Return to Game

How did Vacher de Lapouge categorize the three main types within his concept of dolichocephalic races?

Answer: Homo europaeus, Homo alpinus, Homo mediterraneus

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge delineated three primary types within the dolichocephalic racial category: *Homo europaeus*, *Homo alpinus*, and *Homo mediterraneus*.

Return to Game

What did Vacher de Lapouge mean by 'selectionism'?

Answer: His application of eugenics principles to the study of races.

Explanation: 'Selectionism,' in Vacher de Lapouge's lexicon, referred to his systematic application of eugenics principles to the study and categorization of human races.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge's theories suggested a connection between race and social class, proposing that the French aristocracy descended from which group?

Answer: The Germanic Franks

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge theorized that the French aristocracy originated from the Germanic Franks, thereby linking social hierarchy directly to racial descent.

Return to Game

Who did Vacher de Lapouge identify as the primary competitor to the Aryan race, capable of dominating others unnoticed?

Answer: The Jewish people

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge identified the Jewish people as the principal competitor to the 'Aryan' race, asserting their ability to dominate other groups covertly.

Return to Game

What did Vacher de Lapouge believe was the sole biological determinant of human characteristics?

Answer: Heredity

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge firmly posited that heredity was the singular biological determinant of human characteristics, dismissing the influence of environmental or educational factors.

Return to Game

Which of the following was identified by Vacher de Lapouge as a negative 'social selection' impacting the Aryan race?

Answer: Moral selection

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge identified 'moral selection' as a detrimental form of social selection that negatively impacted the 'Aryan' race.

Return to Game

What was Vacher de Lapouge's view on the concept of 'racial cross-breeding'?

Answer: It invariably diminished the superior race.

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge believed that racial cross-breeding invariably led to the degradation of superior races, advocating for strict racial segregation.

Return to Game

What was Vacher de Lapouge's perspective on the potential for social factors to uplift individuals deemed racially inferior?

Answer: He considered them largely powerless.

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge believed that social factors were largely powerless to improve individuals he considered racially inferior, emphasizing the primacy of hereditary traits.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge argued that socialism needed to be 'selectionist' for what primary purpose?

Answer: To identify and utilize racially based abilities.

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge advocated for a 'selectionist' socialism primarily to facilitate the identification and utilization of individuals' inherent racial capabilities.

Return to Game

Which of the following is NOT listed as one of Vacher de Lapouge's major publications in the source?

Answer: The Origin of Species (1859)

Explanation: While Vacher de Lapouge published works such as *Les Sélections Sociales*, *L'Aryen: Son Rôle Social*, and *Race et Milieu Social*, 'The Origin of Species' is famously attributed to Charles Darwin, not Vacher de Lapouge.

Return to Game

Radical Proposals and Social Views

Vacher de Lapouge advocated for radical measures such as eugenic abortion and incest to achieve his racial goals.

Answer: True

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge's proposals for enforcing his eugenic doctrines included extreme measures such as eugenic abortion and incest, alongside other radical concepts.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge proposed 'Determinism, Inequality, Selection' as a replacement slogan for the French Revolutionary motto.

Answer: True

Explanation: In direct opposition to Enlightenment ideals, Vacher de Lapouge advocated for the slogan 'Determinism, Inequality, Selection' to supplant 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity'.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge was a proponent of democracy and universal individual rights.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge was a staunch opponent of democracy and universal individual rights, advocating instead for a hierarchical, racially stratified social order.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge suggested providing free alcohol to the poor as a method to encourage their demise.

Answer: True

Explanation: In a controversial suggestion, Vacher de Lapouge proposed distributing free alcohol to the impoverished population as a means to hasten their mortality and reduce their numbers.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge's concept of 'anti-morality' aligned with traditional ethical frameworks.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge's concept of 'anti-morality' represented a rejection of traditional ethical frameworks, aligning more with moral nihilism than conventional moral structures.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge proposed that racially superior men should engage in a 'sexual service' involving impregnating many women.

Answer: True

Explanation: As part of his eugenic program, Vacher de Lapouge proposed that men deemed racially superior should perform a 'sexual service,' characterized by impregnating numerous women.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge envisioned an ideal society governed by a racially diverse democratic assembly.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge's ideal society was not a racially diverse democratic assembly; rather, he envisioned a rigidly stratified society ruled by a racially exclusive elite caste.

Return to Game

Which of the following was NOT among the radical ideas Vacher de Lapouge proposed for enforcing his eugenic doctrines?

Answer: Mandatory universal education

Explanation: Mandatory universal education was not among Vacher de Lapouge's radical proposals for enforcing eugenic doctrines; rather, he advocated for measures like eugenic abortion, polygamy, and incest.

Return to Game

What alternative slogan did Vacher de Lapouge propose to replace the French Revolutionary motto 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity'?

Answer: Determinism, Inequality, Selection

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge proposed 'Determinism, Inequality, Selection' as a counter-slogan to the French Revolutionary ideals of 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity'.

Return to Game

What was Vacher de Lapouge's stance on democracy and individual rights?

Answer: He was a staunch opponent of both.

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge held a strong opposition to both democracy and individual rights, viewing them as antithetical to his hierarchical and race-based social philosophy.

Return to Game

How did Vacher de Lapouge controversially suggest dealing with the poor population?

Answer: By giving them free alcohol in hopes of reducing their population.

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge controversially suggested that providing free alcohol to the poor might lead to their demise, thereby reducing their population.

Return to Game

What radical 'sexual service' did Vacher de Lapouge propose for men identified as racially superior?

Answer: To impregnate many women without regard for norms.

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge proposed that racially superior men should engage in a 'sexual service' involving the impregnation of numerous women, disregarding conventional social norms.

Return to Game

What was Vacher de Lapouge's ultimate vision for an ideal society?

Answer: A society governed by a strict, racially segregated elite caste.

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge's ideal societal structure was one governed by a rigid, racially exclusive elite caste, starkly contrasting with democratic or egalitarian models.

Return to Game

Predictions and Societal Impact

Vacher de Lapouge predicted that the 20th century would be characterized by widespread peace and cooperation due to advancements in global communication.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge's predictions for the 20th century were quite the opposite; he foresaw genocidal conflicts and struggles for global domination, not peace and cooperation.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge predicted that the United States would eventually triumph in a global struggle for domination, potentially against Russia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge foresaw a future global struggle for dominance, predicting that the United States would emerge victorious, possibly in conflict with Russia.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge believed Europe's era of global dominance was ending and expressed doubt about France's future standing.

Answer: True

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge articulated a view that Europe's period of global preeminence was concluding, and he expressed considerable skepticism regarding the future prospects of France on the world stage.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge believed the finite nature of the Earth's surface would prevent the formation of new large nations and lead to conflict.

Answer: True

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge theorized that the Earth's limited surface area would impede the establishment of new large nations, thereby intensifying struggles for global supremacy.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge believed that conflicts between nations were unlikely due to increasing global interconnectedness.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the notion of reduced conflict, Vacher de Lapouge predicted that increasing global interconnectedness and finite resources would intensify struggles for domination between nations.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge expressed optimism about France's ability to maintain its global standing in the 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge expressed skepticism regarding France's capacity to sustain its global influence throughout the 20th century, indicating doubts about its long-term standing.

Return to Game

What did Vacher de Lapouge predict would characterize the 20th century in relation to racial differences?

Answer: Genocides resulting in millions of deaths.

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge prognosticated that the 20th century would witness genocides resulting in millions of fatalities, stemming from perceived racial disparities.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge predicted a future struggle for world domination. Which nation did he foresee potentially triumphing, possibly against Russia?

Answer: The United States

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge predicted that the United States would emerge as the victor in a future global struggle for dominance, potentially contending with Russia.

Return to Game

What was Vacher de Lapouge's view on the future global influence of Europe?

Answer: He thought Europe's era of dominance was ending.

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge expressed the view that Europe's period of global dominance was drawing to a close.

Return to Game

What did Vacher de Lapouge state about the formation of new 'giant nations' due to the logistic growth of empires?

Answer: The Earth's limited surface would prevent new large nations and lead to conflict.

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge stated that the finite nature of the Earth's surface would hinder the formation of new large nations, consequently intensifying conflicts over global dominance.

Return to Game

What was Vacher de Lapouge's view on the potential for France to maintain its global standing in the future?

Answer: He expressed skepticism about France's long-term prospects.

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge conveyed skepticism regarding France's capacity to sustain its global standing in the future, suggesting uncertainty about its long-term influence.

Return to Game

Influence and Legacy

Vacher de Lapouge's theories were widely accepted by the French political left as progressive scientific advancements.

Answer: False

Explanation: The French political left generally viewed Vacher de Lapouge's theories as a direct challenge to their foundational democratic and egalitarian principles, rather than accepting them as progressive scientific advancements.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge expressed gratitude towards his critics, particularly those of Jewish origin, for refining his theories.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge expressed bitterness towards his critics, particularly those of Jewish origin, whom he accused of influencing the rejection of his theories, rather than expressing gratitude.

Return to Game

The anthropologist Hans F. K. Günther praised Vacher de Lapouge's work and delivered his eulogy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Hans F. K. Günther, a notable anthropologist known for his own racial theories, held Vacher de Lapouge's work in high regard and delivered his eulogy.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge viewed the French Jewish population as contributing positively to intellectual discourse and national progress.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge held a negative view of the French Jewish population, accusing them of hindering the acceptance of his theories and contributing negatively to intellectual discourse.

Return to Game

Vacher de Lapouge's use of science to justify inequality challenged the French left's reliance on science for progressive ideals.

Answer: True

Explanation: The French political left, which often utilized scientific discourse to support progressive aims, found Vacher de Lapouge's application of science to justify inequality to be a significant ideological challenge.

Return to Game

The 'Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring' in Nazi Germany was influenced by Vacher de Lapouge's racial hygiene concepts.

Answer: True

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge's theories on racial hygiene significantly influenced Nazi eugenics policies, including legislation such as the 'Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring'.

Return to Game

In 1926, Vacher de Lapouge prefaced and translated which influential American eugenics proponent's work into French?

Answer: Madison Grant

Explanation: In 1926, Vacher de Lapouge contributed a preface and translation for the French edition of Madison Grant's work, *The Passing of the Great Race*.

Return to Game

How did Vacher de Lapouge's theories challenge the French political left?

Answer: They were seen as a direct challenge to democratic and Enlightenment values.

Explanation: Vacher de Lapouge's theories posed a significant challenge to the French political left by providing a scientific rationale for inequality, directly contradicting the democratic and Enlightenment values they championed.

Return to Game

Which German anthropologist praised Vacher de Lapouge's work and delivered his eulogy?

Answer: Hans F. K. Günther

Explanation: Hans F. K. Günther, a German anthropologist, was an admirer of Vacher de Lapouge's theories and delivered his eulogy.

Return to Game

Which specific Nazi law, aimed at controlling reproduction based on perceived genetic health, reflects the influence of Vacher de Lapouge's ideas?

Answer: The Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring

Explanation: The Nazi 'Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring' (Gesetz zur Verhütung erbkranken Nachwuchses) exemplifies the influence of Vacher de Lapouge's racial hygiene concepts on German eugenics policy.

Return to Game