6g. Social Darwinism (1865-1900)

Mar 4, 2025

Social Darwinism (1865-1900s)

Overview

  • Social Darwinism was a significant ideological movement from 1865 to the 1900s.
  • Encouraged human competition and opposed intervention in the natural human order.
  • Based on the idea that humans compete in a struggle for existence.

Influence of Charles Darwin

  • Charles Darwin, an English naturalist and geologist, contributed to the theory of natural selection (survival of the fittest).

Political and Social Impact

  • Used politically to advocate:
    • Laissez-faire capitalism
    • Political conservatism
    • Imperialism
    • Racism
    • Discouragement of social reform and intervention

Main Idea

  • Status and privileges of wealthy and powerful were seen as results of personal traits evolved through natural selection.
  • Poor and powerless were considered unfit and expected to struggle for survival.

Key Proponents

  • Herbert Spencer:
    • Argued against social programs aiding the poor, claiming they worked against nature.
  • William Graham Sumner:
    • Believed the fittest humans became the most successful.
    • Success attributed to skills like intelligence, talent, and hard work.
  • Andrew Carnegie:
    • Applied "survival of the fittest" to society.
    • Advocated for a free market economy without government interference.

Examples of "Robber Barons"

  • Andrew Carnegie:
    • Rags-to-riches story, wealthy owner of Carnegie Steel Company.
  • J.P. Morgan:
    • Financier and banker, strong believer in Social Darwinism.
  • John D. Rockefeller:
    • Richest man in American history, founder of Standard Oil Company, believed in business growth as survival of the fittest.
  • Cornelius Vanderbilt:
    • Built wealth through ferry service, became one of America's richest.

Beliefs and Opposition

  • Social Darwinists believed weaker species members would die off.
  • Opposed government handouts, safety regulations, and child labor laws.
  • Such actions helped weak survive against natural selection principles.

Conclusion

  • Figures like Spencer, Sumner, and Carnegie felt their wealth and power were due to being superior in human evolution.