Final answer:
In the early twentieth century, eugenics was a movement aimed at improving the human race genetically and was popular and influential in certain countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eugenics in the Early 20th Century
In the early twentieth century, eugenics gained prominence as it was perceived by many as a respectable and progressive science.
Its aim was to improve the human race genetically, focusing on the idea that selective breeding could encourage 'superior' genetic traits.
This movement was especially influential in countries like the United States, Canada, and Germany.
However, eugenics was also controversial during its time and has since been widely criticized for its ethical implications and its association with human rights abuses.
Forced sterilization emerged as one of the most widespread applications of eugenic principles, often targeting minority groups, people with disabilities, and those considered socially undesirable.
This policy influenced legal and health policies, and it was not until the atrocities committed by Nazi Germany—where eugenics was used to justify population control and genocide—that the eugenics movement fell into deep disrepute.
Despite the disfavor that eugenics fell into post-World War II, its ideas and some of its practices, unfortunately, persisted longer than many realize, with forced sterilizations and other policies affecting thousands well into the mid-to-late 20th century.