USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Social Darwinism is the application of Darwin’s theory of natural selection to society-specifically in economics and business in America. Social Darwinism was embraced by the nation’s wealthy upper class in the late 19th century to justify their accumulation of wealth and power.

Detailed explanation-2: -Social Darwinists believe in “survival of the fittest”-the idea that certain people become powerful in society because they are innately better. Social Darwinism has been used to justify imperialism, racism, eugenics and social inequality at various times over the past century and a half.

Detailed explanation-3: -With Social Darwinism gaining popularity, inequality gained a strong foothold in the society driven by concepts of eugenics and racism. Around the 1900s, sizable populations around the world believed that the quality of human race should be improved by privileging the best human specimens (including themselves).

Detailed explanation-4: -Spencer applied evolutionary theory to society as well. He concluded that some people were destined for wealth and power because they were naturally stronger. Poverty would always exist, Spencer concluded, because the stronger members of society would triumph over the weaker members.