What did Social Darwinists believe and how did it shape the reform movement in America?

Answer 1

Social Darwinists applied Charles Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection. They believed that the weaker members of society were as they were not because of their environment, but because they were lazy, unfit people, that wanted nothing more than to bring down the rest. During the popularization of Social Darwinism, those that were considered "superior," were those of high standing, of much influence, or of wealth. The lower and middle masses, were considered weak, and through the Social Darwinist view, things that society was better off with. This was pervaded by Horatio Alger stories and the belief that if they wished, people of lower classes could rise to fame and glory. Many Social Darwinists were also advocates of eugenics, and it is through the Social Darwinist philosophy, that the US Eugenics Movement came about in the 1960s.

In terms of reform, Social Darwinism did little to help. If anything, it inhibited the efforts of many Progressives. While Progressives vied for social reform, Social Darwinists were content to leave things as they were. They believed that if things were left to their own accord, natural selection would take place, and the weaker members of society would be replaced by stronger, more able members. Eventually The Progressive Movement gained more support among the public, and reforms created despite the obstacles set by Social Darwinists.