Social Darwinism vs. Social Gospel U.S. History Unit 2 Events and Ideas #3 Social Darwinism vs. Social Gospel U.S. History Unit 2

Essential Question: Compare and contrast the ideologies of Social Darwinism and Social Gospel

Key Terms: Natural Selection: Process that living things survive due to their favorable traits Ideology: An organized collection of ideas. Social Reform: Changes in society for the better

Social Darwinism

Social Darwinism Industry leaders embraced Social Darwinism. Competition would eliminate those who could not adapt. It was the “fittest” companies that would survive and grow.

Social Darwinism Social Darwinism paralleled economic doctrine of laissez-faire - “Hand-off” the economy. John D. Rockefeller and other industry leaders embraced Social Darwinism. If a company succeeded, it was because it had best adapted to the business environment. The rich industrialists used the excuse of Social Darwinism for why they were so rich.

Social Gospel

Industrialization Caused Many Problems In America One group that tried to help were the Progressives America is growing, immigration is increasing, unions were far and few between and big business dominates the working class. There are a lot of poor people and immigrants in America. Out of all of this, American religion rises to the challenge through the Social Gospel movement.

Social Gospel The Social Gospel movement takes hold from 1870 to 1920. Churches expand their functions to include social programs to improve: poor working conditions problems of society poor schooling child labor crime

Answer the EQ in 5 sentences: Compare and contrast the ideologies of Social Darwinism and Social Gospel