This document provides an introduction to evolution by Charles Darwin and the historical context surrounding his theory of evolution by natural selection. It discusses thinkers who influenced Darwin such as Charles Lyell, Lamarck, and Alfred Russell Wallace. It also outlines some of the problems with special creation ideas and previous concepts like the scala naturae that Darwin's theory contradicted. Finally, it briefly discusses developments since Darwin like neo-Darwinism and thinkers involved in synthesizing genetics with Darwin's theory of evolution.
