SOCIAL DARWINISM: Philosophy OR Justification?

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SOCIAL DARWINISM: Philosophy OR Justification? “THE GROWTH OF LARGE BUSINESS IS MERELY A SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.” -JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER CHARLES DARWIN 1859 published a book titled The Origin of Species Theory of Evolution Natural Selection. Struggle is normal. Some are superior. There are benefits when the unfit are eliminated. HERBERT SPENCER 1871 – English Philosopher who coins phrase “Social Darwinism” WHAT IS SOCIAL DARWINISM? Social Darwinism is: - individuals compete naturally. - the incompetent lose and the strong win. ie. “survival of the fittest”. Government must not interfere unless the unfit are stealing from the fit. GOVERNMENT OR NO GOVERNMENT? Should the Government interfere with Business???? -By 1880 many Social Darwinists were saying “NO”?!?!? Others wanted the Government to get more involved in promoting Social Darwinism and Laissez-faire. SOCIAL DARWINISM AND BUSINESS Natural Competition controls the economy. Government is not there to help people, but to support business. Big business can take over small business. Ruthless methods are OK. SOCIAL DARWINISM AND RACE Only the strong races can survive. Technology should be kept by races that create advancement. Justification for genocide. AMERICA’S REACTION “Self-made man” concept built the country. “Rugged Individualism” is good. Wealth - is the reward for hard work and ability. Failure - is due to lack of ability and laziness. THE SOCIAL DARWINISTS WHAT COMES OF SOCIAL DARWINISM? Philanthropy: using one’s fortune to further social progress. Focused efforts and energies on all individuals. Expands the gap between the rich and the poor. SOCIAL DARWINISM GOOD OR BAD? Is this a practical theory? What are the benefits of weeding out the weak? What are the disadvantages of having the rich in control? Is there really a chance for poor people to get ahead? THE END “Survival of the fittest…”.

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Before the Storm German Big Business and the Rise of the NSDAP by Michael D’Antonio A thesis submitted to the Faculty of the University of Delaware in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Honors Degree in History with Distinction Spring 2016 © 2016 Michael D’Antonio All Rights Reserved Before the Storm German Big Business and the Rise of the NSDAP by Michael D’Antonio Approved: ____________________________________________________________ Dr. James Brophy Professor in charge of thesis on behalf of the Advisory Committee Approved: ____________________________________________________________ Dr. David Shearer Committee member from the Department of History Approved: ____________________________________________________________ Dr. Barbara Settles Committee member from the Board of Senior Thesis Readers Approved: ____________________________________________________________ Michael Arnold, Ph.D. Director, University Honors Program ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This senior thesis would not have been possible without the assistance of Dr. James Brophy of the University of Delaware history department. His guidance in research, focused critique, and continued encouragement were instrumental in the project’s formation and completion. The University of Delaware Office of Undergraduate Research also deserves a special thanks, for its continued support of both this work and the work of countless other students. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................
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