Florida US History EOC Practice Exam

Social Darwinism represents the belief that evolutionary concepts can improve society by applying the principles of natural selection to social, economic, and political issues. Advocates of Social Darwinism argued that societies and individuals evolve and progress through competition and survival of the fittest. This ideology suggested that, just as species adapt and survive in nature, societies can thrive when there is competition, with the most capable individuals rising to the top.

This perspective often led to justifying social inequalities, as it implied that those who were more successful in society were inherently superior, while those who were less prosperous were seen as less fit. It influenced various social policies and ideologies, including justifying imperialism and opposing social welfare movements. The belief that societal advancement comes through evolutionary processes contrasts sharply with the notions of equality, conflict avoidance, or dismantling social structures, which do not align with the competitive nature emphasized by Social Darwinism.