Question

Choose one of the following topics and write an essay of 350 words. a. Assume you are a member of Congress in 1867 when Seward's Folly was a major issue. Give your arguments for or against the Seward proposal of Alaska's purchase. Be as thorough as you can in justifying your support of or opposition to this purchase. b. Evaluate the contributions of significant political and social leaders such as Andrew Carnegie or Shirley Chisholm. c. Compare and contrast the ideologies of social Darwinism and Social Gospel.

Answer 1

Social Darwinism and Social Gospel are viewed as two entirely different views both from same time period. Though their ideologies differ they both serve the same purpose to promote their beliefs to the public. Social Darwinism theorized the idea of survival of the fittest where the process of natural selection comes into place in the late 18th century. During this time period the space between the upper class and the lower class was increasing fast. Social Darwinism came from a man who had no beliefs in God. The belief said that the poor are meant to be poor and the rich are meant to be rich. Being poor showed everything about ones character. It helped to explain why they were lazy and why there were those inferior to them. Darwin even published the belief on natural selection in 1859 called "On the Origin of Species". Soon after people began to believe in Darwins theory and how it showed in the human society. His colleagues even opposed all laws that dealt with helping the poor. The Social Gospel Movement was a religious movement brought upon in the 18th century after the Civil War. The movement signified the importance of emulating Christ to the poor. The establishment of settlement houses helped the poor overcome adversity and learn more about Christ if they were not already educated on it. The movement taught the value of wealth and the purpose of sharing it with the less fortunate. Social Darwinism was the antithesis of the Social Gospel Movement. The two beliefs did not have any similarities in any which way. In fact the Social Gospel Movement even attacked the beliefs of Social Darwinism for its cruel and evil message. However this is not surprising to hear of these acts. The 1900's was well known for its social injustices that are luckily not common in todays society. At the time both movements could have very easily been understood why someone would promote its beliefs. At a time of hate and unfairness the United States was still trying to become that perfect country it is seen as today.

Answer 2

C. Social Darwinism and the Social Gospel movement were two very different perspectives on American society during the early 20th century.

Social Darwinism was based on the idea of "survival of the fittest." Even though the original intent of this concept was based on Charles Darwin's study of birds in the Galapagos Islands, some individuals thought this could also apply to American society. Individuals with a social Darwinist view felt that a lack of economic success was due to an individual being lazy. Social Darwinists were advocates of hard working and not providing individuals with handouts.

The Social Gospel Movement, on the other hand, felt empathy for those citizens who were struggling financially in American society. Members of the Social Gospel Movement used their religious convictions to direct their action. The Social Gospel Movement lead to several different institutions that helped the poor including the YMCA and the Salvation Army.