Lecture on Social Darwinism and its Influence in Germany

Introduction to Darwin's Theory

• Darwin's theory of natural selection: survival of the fittest.
• Implications for human society as discussed in 'The Descent of Man'.
• Concerns about humanitarianism harming human evolution.

Social Darwinism and Racism

• Darwin believed his theory applied to human societies.
• Many intellectuals in late 19th and early 20th century Germany embraced these ideas.
• Justification for racism, "living space," and racial extermination.

War and Natural Selection

• Not all German Darwinists believed in war as necessary.
• Some criticized wars in Europe while supporting them against so-called "inferior" races.

Implementation of Social Darwinism in German Colonies

• Genocide of the Herero people in German South-West Africa (1904-1908).
  • General Lothar von Trotha's extermination order.
  • Herero men executed, women and children expelled to die.
  • Justification based on Social Darwinism principles.
  • Concentration camps and medical experiments.
  • By 1908, over 80% of Herero population eliminated.

Influence on German Military and World War I

• German leaders used Darwinian theory to justify war.
• Friedrich Von Bernhardi's book 'Germany and the Next War' claimed war was a biological necessity.
• Austro-Hungarian military leader Franz Conrad Von Hötzendorf applied Darwinian views to foreign policy.
• Zoologist Ernst Haeckel supported the war as a Darwinian struggle.

Aftermath and Legacy

• Despite Germany's loss in WWI, Social Darwinism ideology persisted.
• A young corporal in the Bavarian army (later known as Adolf Hitler) embraced and expanded upon these ideas.

Conclusion

• Social Darwinism's influence persisted through the early 20th century, affecting political and military strategies.
• Continued impact of Darwinian ideologies in shaping historical events.