STANDARD: Analyze the similarities and differences between the ideologies of Social Darwinism and Social Gospel.
In the 1800's the industrialists, bankers, and politicians had accrued massive amounts of wealth on the backs of the working class.
In an era before government regulations, how do you think the working classes could survive on meager wages? What if you were a new immigrant that had just arrived on the shores of the United States? Who would you rely on to help you get on your feet? This lesson will delve into these questions:
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Describe the ideas of Social Darwinism versus the Social Gospel Movement.
Familiarization: Here you will learn about the concepts of Social Darwinism and the Social Gospel movement. Be sure to remember the differences between the two.
Social Darwinism
Social Darwinism refers to the application of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, particularly the concept of "survival of the fittest" to aspects of society. This theory was supported by English philosopher Herbert Spencer. American businessmen looked at Spencer fondly as his writings provided justification for their superiority in business and society. We will now look at Social Darwinism in the terms of the business elite over the small businessman. Look at the example below.
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Here on the left we have one of the most successful "Captains of Industry" or "Robber Barons" in John D. Rockefeller and his Standard Oil company in the form of a large shark. To the right we have smaller oil companies in the form of small fish. Based on the "survival of the fittest" theory, what will happen to the smaller fish in this scenario? The Standard Oil shark is going to eat them up. This is like Rockefeller's methods of buying out his competitors or driving them out of business. In Social Darwinism, if you are a good businessman you will survive and thrive, if you are not you will be eaten up.
Social Gospel
The Social Gospel movement rose up in the late 1800's in response to problems in society. It was also in response to a growing concern by Protestant Christian ministers regarding a decline in congregational membership. These ministers began to become politically active, attacking society's ills by applying Christian principles. Social Gospel followers would begin making the public aware of social issues such as child labor, alcohol abuse, domestic abuse, worker's rights, fair wages, and the need to improve working conditions. They believed that industry and industrialists were taking advantage of the worker and keeping many in a state of poverty. The Social Gospel movement worked for reforms to better the lives of working class Americans and new immigrants.
Jane Addams
Jane Addams was a social activist who provided aid to immigrants and worked to "lobby" politicians to create laws that would benefit the American working class. She established a settlement house in Chicago called Hull House. At Hull House and other settlement houses that were soon established, Jane Addams and her staff would provide assistance to the working poor, many of them new immigrants. Jane would eventually write a book, Twenty Years at Hull House, which documented her experiences there. CLICK HERE to read more about Jane Addams' story and how she became an advocate for the less fortunate.
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Take this short quiz to test your knowledge of the lesson's main ideas!