What is Social Darwinism and how was it tied to imperialism?
http://www.allaboutscience.org/what-is-social-darwinism-faq.htm
http://www.world-history.nmhblogs.org/...of-european-imperialism-social-darwinism
Social Darwinism refers to a set of theories and beliefs that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a social and political philosophy that applies the principles of natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies.
To understand how Social Darwinism was tied to imperialism, we need to consider the historical context. During the same period, there was a significant expansion of European colonial powers and their dominance over other parts of the world. Imperialism refers to a policy of extending a nation's power and influence through colonization, military conquest, and economic dominance.
Here's how Social Darwinism and imperialism were connected:
1. Superiority of the white race: Social Darwinism promoted the idea of racial superiority, particularly the belief that the white race was more advanced and evolved than other races. It suggested that European nations had a duty to "civilize" and "uplift" supposedly inferior societies through colonial domination.
2. Competition and survival: Social Darwinism emphasized the principles of competition and survival in human societies, which were believed to be the driving forces of progress. According to this ideology, stronger nations would dominate weaker ones, a concept that justified imperial expansion as a means of acquiring resources, markets, and strategic advantages.
3. Justification of colonialism: Social Darwinism provided a moral and intellectual basis for justifying the colonization and exploitation of non-European territories. Europeans believed it was their duty to impose their culture, governance, and values upon "lesser" civilizations to ensure their survival and progress. This mindset led to the creation of vast colonial empires.
4. The civilizing mission: Many Europeans saw themselves as bearers of civilization and believed that imperialism was a way to spread their superior culture, religion, and institutions. They saw the conquest of other lands as a means to bring progress and enlightenment to allegedly backward societies, again aligning with Social Darwinist notions.
It's important to note that Social Darwinism has been widely discredited by modern social sciences, as it promoted racial inequality, ethnocentrism, and a distorted interpretation of Darwin's theory of evolution. However, during the time of imperialism, it had a profound influence on the thinking and policies of colonial powers.