Darwin is not responsible for 'Social Darwinism.'" War and oppression have always been components of human history, however with the introduction of Darwin's theory of evolution man had a new justification for his cruelty. Darwin's ideas promoted a "superman" or "super-race" philosophy. The prime component of Darwin's ideas revolves around the notion that life progresses by natural selection - the survival of the fittest. Couple this with the racist culture in the scientific world of his day and you have the reason to pursue any exploitive agenda. "Might makes right", so why not proclaim yourself the master race and conquer others? Theodore Roosevelt stated that a racial war to the finish with the Indians was inevitable and there should be a spread of English-speaking people all over the world (Morris 1989, 68-70). Some may say that Social Darwinism is the root cause of all of the world's current problems. Social Darwinism leads individuals as well as social, ethnic, or religious groups, and also nations to compete against other individuals, groups, or nations because they feel in some way superior or think they just naturally have to compete. As we know the practices by which powerful nations or peoples seek to extend and maintain control or influence over weaker nations or peoples is Imperialism and, colonialism usually suggest formal political control, involving territorial takeover and loss of self-government. The intention is to broadly to control or influence either formally or informally, directly or indirectly, politically or economically. Each imperial state attempted to control the trade of its colonies, in order to acquire the benefits of that trade. States pursued power for a variety of reasons: by the need to expand their economies, by the desire for security, and diplomatic advantages. Social Darwinism is that process and which up people within the nation decides to impose their way or philosophy of life...
