Essay That Discusses The Role Of Darwinism In America

Darwinism and American Society
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Darwinism and American Society
The theory of the evolution of species, commonly known as Darwinism, courted a lot of controversy in America in the late 19th century. Before Darwinism reached America, almost every American believed that species owed their origin from divine means (Jonathan, 2009). However, the inception of Darwinism challenged that narrative and, instead, introduced the belief that species did not originate from supernatural happenings, but through natural selection and biology (Jonathan, 2009). According to Darwinism, natural selection made it possible for species with superior characteristics to survive in the fight for limited resources, and then passed their unique characteristics to their descendants (John, 2007). This theory was used to classify some people as inferior, as well as shaping the immigrant experience in America. The theory was widely opposed, especially by Christians, because of its disregard to morality and the basic truths that existed before its inception. The ideologies of Darwinism had a negative impact on the American society because it disregarded the moral rights accorded to all people.
Darwinism was used to classify some people as inferior and justified the actions done against them. According to Charles Darwin, natural selection created a way through which those who had superior characteristics had advantage over those who were perceived to have inferior traits (John, 2007). Before Darwinism theory came into force, the conventional Christian beliefs in the American society believed in equality and the enforcement of basic human rights. However, the theory introduced racial relations that saw certain races appear as superior to others. For example, the African-Americans were seen as inferior to the whites and, as a result, they were used as slaves and discriminated against (Bergman, 1999). The African-Americans were considered inferior since they were socially, culturally, and economically different from the white majority.
Darwinism and Eugenics shaped the immigrant experience in America ...