Darwin’s Social/Cultural Impacts

Contributor :

Nathan Richardson

Action Plan

I need to pay close attention to any information related to my topics of interest.

Pre-Departure Preparation

I plan to discuss the social and cultural impacts of Darwin’s theories on our historical development. Social Darwinism was used as a justification for economic exploitation and racial segregation of ethnic and racial groups by American business and government leaders. Religious leaders challenged public educators to teach creationism in science classes. Island ecology was the springboard for these societal conflicts.

Preparation During Travel

I need to find primary source materials related to opposing perspectives on the justifications used for growing income inequality during the Gilded Age. I will need to use primary sources related to the Scopes Trial, which are located on George Mason University’s History Thinking Matters website.