Social Darwinism in American Thought

Social Darwinism in American thought was a belief that society progresses through competition, where only the strongest and most capable individuals or groups succeed. Inspired by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, it applied the idea of "survival of the fittest" to human society, suggesting that social and economic inequalities were natural and beneficial. Proponents argued that government intervention to help the weaker was unnecessary or harmful, emphasizing individual responsibility and laissez-faire policies. While it justified certain inequalities and expansion efforts, it also influenced debates on race, class, and the role of government in social welfare.