In the late 1800s, Darwinism greatly influenced not only biology but also social thought. Indeed, Social Darwinism provided fuel for both social conservatism and social reform. It tended to bring out the most ruthless aspects of both movements.
Social Darwinism supported conservative ideas such as a belief in free markets and competition, because it promoted the idea of the survival of the fittest. According to Professor Jeremy Bergman, Darwin influenced not only Nazis and Marxists, but also “ruthless capitalists that flourished in the late 1800s and 1900s.” These capitalists, he said, used Social Darwinism to argue that it was “both natural and proper to exploit ‘weaker’ companies.” This, they said, was in accordance with natural law and was “the inevitable outcome of history.”
Famed Capitalism Andrew Carnegie praised Darwin for replacing religion in his mind. Social Darwinist Herbert Spencer allowed him to feel good about his success, because, Spencer said, “it was a scientific fact that someone like him should rise to the top.” Therefore, he need not feel guilty about cutthroat capitalism.
Yet Social Darwinism also supported progressive social causes. Daniel Kevles, Stanley Woodward Professor of History at Yale University, “Drawing on social Darwinism, supporters of the 20th-century eugenics movement sought to ‘improve’ human genetic stock, much as farmers do in agriculture.” These progressives sought to better society by “getting rid of its ‘undesirables’ while multiplying its ‘desirables’.”
Social Darwinism fueled the worst elements of both American conservatives and America’s liberal reformers. It helped conservatives justify harsh, unfeeling moves designed them to get an edge over their competitors and it helped liberals justify unfeeling attitudes toward other human beings, who they labeled as “undesirable” and felt justified in “getting rid of” in order to improve stock.
- Bergman, Jeremy. “Darwin’s Influence on Ruthless Laissez-Faire Capitalism.” Impact 33 (2001): 1-4. 14 May 2016.
- Hofstadter, Richard. “Social darwinism in American thought.” 1944. Beacon Press. Internet. 14 May 2016.
- Kevles, Daniel. “In the Name of Darwin.” 2001. PBS. Internet. 14 May 2016.
- WGBH. “Herbert Spencer.” 1999. PBS: American Experience. Online. 14 May 2016.
