Social Darwinism and Nationalism

1. SOCIAL DARWINISM &
EDWARD BELLAMY’S
NATIONALISM
By: Casson Helms

2. SOCIAL DARWINISM

3. WHAT IT WAS
Social Darwinism is simply the application
of the theories of Charles Darwin to
society. Evolution had become a largely
accepted belief in the second Industrial
Revolution; this was a continuation of
those ideas outside of the scientific realm.
William Graham Sumner and Herbert
Spencer both promoted Social Darwinism
by stating that men were either “to
struggle, to compete, to succeed, or to
fail”. Those who succeeded were fit to
remain in society, and those who did not
would eventually be eliminated.

4. EFFECT ON SOCIETYSocial Darwinism justified the actions of
industrialists. They claimed that their
success, actions, and wealth were all
justified by nature since they were
“superior”. Tycoons such as Rockefeller
believed that they were indeed more fit to
live, and that a poor man’s situation was a
result of his shortcomings and lack of
evolutionary fitness. Even worker’s unions
would fail because the natural law of
competition would have to survive. Even as
far back as Reconstruction it was seen in
American society for reasoning as to why
African Americans and poor Northerners
were failing and should not be assisted.
Social Darwinism expanded beyond the
bounds of society and the economy though;
it was also used as justification for the
Imperialism of the United States. The US
had become the most powerful and greatest
nation in the world, and natives in countries
such as the Philippines and Puerto Rico
were not suited to rule themselves.

5. NATIONALISM

6. WHAT IT WAS
Edward Bellamy published Looking
Backward in 1888, promoting his
idealistic dream of a utopian society in
which there was complete economic
equality. All trusts eventually combined
into one controlled by the government. In
this utopia, there was no more
competition and all was equally divided.
There were no more class divisions or
struggles. Society was like a machine, all
working together for good.

7. EFFECT ON SOCIETY
Bellamy’s philosophy and novel
had a huge impact. He was one
of the most popular philosophers
of the time. His book sold over
one million copies and was the
second best-selling novel of the
19th century. “Nationalist clubs”
formed all over the country
following and supporting his
ideas. It opposed the
competitive, Social Darwinism-
based cutthroat business
practices of its time. It also had
significance in extending many
ideals of Marxism into American

8. SIMILARITIES AND OVERLAPS OF
THE PHILOSOPHIES
Bellamy’s philosophy was essentially the complete fulfillment of
Social Darwinism. As the large trusts and companies expanded, the
smaller “inferior” ones disappeared. Eventually only one company
remained, the greatest of all. This was the end of the “survival of the
fittest”. Even society had rid itself of those citizens who did not
contribute. Those who remained in the year 2000 in Looking
Backward were peaceful, productive members of the community.
There were no more class divisions because those who were left were
the best. Society had evolved to full perfection in the end. Both these
theories assumed that man was indeed capable of perfection and that
through elimination of the weak, the strong could prevail and take
control.