Social Darwinism 1870-90 Quiz

Questions and Answers

What concept did Herbert Spencer contribute to the ideology of Social Darwinism?

The belief that charity is essential for societal growth

The idea that intelligence is genetically inherited

The principle of 'survival of the fittest' (correct)

The notion that all individuals have equal rights

What was the primary demand of the protesters during the Haymarket Affair?

A reduction in working hours to eight per day (correct)

A permanent end to child labor

Equal pay for all workers

Increased wages for skilled workers

What was the outcome of the Elk v. Wilkins Supreme Court case concerning Native American citizenship?

It mandated citizenship be granted upon request

It guaranteed citizenship to all Native Americans

It denied John Elk's claim for citizenship (correct)

It established that the 14th and 15th amendments applied universally

What was one of the main objectives of the Dawes Act of 1887 in relation to Native Americans?

To encourage assimilation through land redistribution Signup and view all the answers

What event was triggered by the Ghost Dance movement among Native Americans?

The Wounded Knee Massacre Signup and view all the answers

What was the major legal principle established by Plessy v. Ferguson?

Separate but equal Signup and view all the answers

Which event led to an increase in American imperialism during the late 19th century?

The Spanish American War Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the WCTU's advocacy for prohibition?

A shift toward advocating for women's suffrage and labor issues Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of the deaths in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire?

Locked exit doors preventing escape Signup and view all the answers

What term was used by the media to incite patriotic feelings during the Spanish American War?

Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Applied Charles Darwin's theory of evolution to social and economic contexts.
Herbert Spencer coined the phrase “survival of the fittest,” promoting the idea that the wealthy are inherently superior and deserving of their status.
Andrew Carnegie advocated similar views in "The Gospel of Wealth," which justified wealth disparity.
The ideology supported government inaction towards poverty and favored big business through a Laissez-Faire approach.

Haymarket Affair (1886)

A labor protest in Chicago with around 350,000 participants demanding an 8-hour workday.
The event turned violent when a bomb was thrown, leading to a government crackdown.
Resulted in the execution and imprisonment of labor leaders falsely blamed for the violence.
Became a symbol for workers' rights and highlighted growing anti-immigrant sentiments.

Elk v. Wilkins (1884)

John Elk, born in Indian Territory, sought American citizenship by renouncing tribal identity and paying taxes.
The Supreme Court denied his claim, stating the 14th and 15th Amendments did not apply to him.
This case contributed to legal precedents affecting Native American citizenship laws.

Dawes Act (1887)

Aimed to assimilate Native Americans by redistributing their lands into individual plots.
Excluded married women from land ownership, promoting farming among Native Americans.
Results included loss of tribal land and culture, as Native Americans were pressured to adopt European-American lifestyles.

Ghost Dance (1889)

Initiated by Paiute Shaman Wavanka, promoting a non-violent spiritual resistance among Native Americans.
A prophecy suggested that dancing would eradicated white settlers and revive buffalo populations, gaining widespread traction.
The movement provoked fear in white communities, leading to a violent response and the Wounded Knee Massacre (1890).

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Court case challenging segregation laws that mandated racial separation in public facilities.
The Supreme Court upheld segregation, establishing "Separate but equal" as a legal doctrine.
This ruling enshrined segregation policies until overturned by Brown v. Board of Education.

Spanish-American War (1898)

Secretary of State John Hay praised the conflict as a “Splendid little war.”
Fueled by Yellow Journalism, which exaggerated and sensationalized events to provoke public sentiment.
The sinking of the USS Maine led to the rallying cry "Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain."
Resulted in U.S. territorial acquisitions including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking a shift towards imperialism.

Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) (1874)

Founded by Frances Willard, it became the largest women's organization of the time.
Advocated for prohibition, arguing that alcohol consumption harmed families financially.
The WCTU transitioned towards supporting women’s suffrage and labor issues, thereby empowering women politically.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (1911)

A catastrophic fire in New York City resulted from unsafe working conditions, killing 146 workers, primarily women.
Locked exit doors trapped workers, leading to heartbreaking choices between burning or jumping.
The tragedy prompted reforms and the creation of fire safety codes across the country.

Muller v. Oregon (1908)

Following a specific case focused on women’s work hours, the Supreme Court validated laws limiting women’s working hours based on their health.
Established a precedent for labor laws aimed at protecting vulnerable workers, particularly women.

Description

Test your knowledge on Social Darwinism and its key proponents, including Herbert Spencer and Andrew Carnegie. Explore how the theory applied Darwin's ideas to societal structure and justified wealth inequality during the late 19th century. Challenge yourself with questions that delve into the implications of this ideology on economic policies and social hierarchies.