Question

Describe the idea of Social Darwinism as it applied to business in the late 19th century. Be sure to give enough details to explain your point clearly.

A) Social Darwinism was a concept promoting government intervention in business.
B) Social Darwinism advocated for strict government regulations in business.
C) Social Darwinism promoted the idea that businesses should compete freely without government interference.
D) Social Darwinism emphasized cooperation and collaboration among businesses.

Answer 1

Social Darwinism in the late 19th century promoted the idea of businesses competing freely without government interference based on Charles Darwin's theory of biological evolution. However, it was a misreading of Darwin's scientific discoveries and was used to support discriminatory ideologies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Social Darwinism, as it applied to business in the late 19th century, promoted the idea that businesses should compete freely without government interference. This concept, derived from Charles Darwin's theory of biological evolution, viewed the business world as a natural environment where the strongest and most adaptable businesses would thrive and succeed. Business leaders during this time used slogans such as "natural selection" and "survival of the fittest" to justify their elimination of rivals, portraying it as a natural process. However, it is important to note that Social Darwinism was a misreading of Darwin's scientific discoveries and was used to support discriminatory ideologies.