This workshop will discuss key historical events that led to the emergence of humanitarianism and human rights as major ideological movements in the modern world.  In addition to a history of ideas, we will explore important moments – such as the abolition of slavery, episodes of colonial brutality, and the Cold War – when humanitarian ideals came under scrutiny. We will also examine shifting narratives and media strategies that missionaries, activists, governments, non-governmental organizations, and other “humanitarians” have employed to draw global attention to crises and abuses.