Social Darwinism played a significant role in shaping the attitudes and motivations behind new imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This ideology, which applied the concept of ‘survival of the fittest’ to human societies, was used to justify the expansion of empires and the dominance of certain nations over others.
One of the main impacts of Social Darwinism on new imperialism was the belief that European powers were inherently superior to those in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Proponents of this ideology argued that it was natural and even beneficial for stronger nations to conquer weaker ones. This belief emboldened colonial powers, leading them to pursue aggressive expansionist policies and to see imperialism as a duty or mission to civilize and modernize non-European societies.
Additionally, Social Darwinism provided a pseudo-scientific rationale for racial hierarchies. It created a narrative that justified exploitation and oppression on the grounds of evolutionary progress. As imperialist nations sought new markets and resources, they often rationalized their actions by claiming they were aiding in the advancement of ‘lesser’ cultures through colonization.
Ultimately, the influence of Social Darwinism fostered a mindset that not only supported but actively encouraged the expansion of empires. It framed imperialism as a natural, and even necessary, part of human progress, leading to widespread justification of the imperialist pursuits that characterized this era.