Social Darwinism vs.

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Social Darwinism vs. The Social Gospel
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Social Darwinism The theory developed in England
by Herbert Spencer in 1857 that social policy
should allow the weak and unfit to fail and die,
and that this is not only good policy but morally
sound. Riches were a sign of Gods favor and the
poor were lazy or inferior people who deserved
their lot in life.
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Social Darwinism was a rationale for imperialism
Within the human species, nations are locked
in a struggle for survival. Everywhere, civilized
nations are supplanting barbarous nations.
Underdeveloped cultures will soon die off.
Therefore, natural order obligates powerful,
civilized nations to appropriate the limited
resources of the weak.
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The Social Gospel A philosophy that developed
after the Industrial Revolution to combat the
problems created by industrialization. The
belief was that a society could be created based
on social justice, and that Christians have a
responsibility to help improve working conditions
and alleviate poverty.
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Most believers in the Social Gospel said that
instead of trying to imperialize distant
countries, the US should be concerned with racial
and social justice at home.
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Some members of the Social Gospel movement argued
for imperialism believing that the white mans
burden required Americans to spread their
civilization around the world.