APUSH Social Darwinism and Gospel of Wealth
Study the concepts of Social Darwinism and the Gospel of Wealth, including key figures, events, and their impact on American society and economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Quiz(40 questions)
1. What does Social Darwinism primarily advocate regarding societal competition?
Terms in this Study Set(40)
Social Darwinism(20)
Social Darwinism → Definition
A social theory that applies Darwin's natural selection to human society, suggesting that the strongest individuals thrive while the weak fail.
Key proponent of Social Darwinism in the US?
Herbert Spencer, who coined the phrase 'survival of the fittest' and promoted applying Darwinism to economics and society.
True or False: Social Darwinism supported social welfare programs.
False. It argued against assistance, believing it interfered with natural selection.
Impact of Social Darwinism on American policy?
Promoted laissez-faire capitalism, justified imperialism, and rationalized economic inequality.
Fill in the blank: Social Darwinism gained popularity in the ____ century.
19th
Compare: Social Darwinism vs. Gospel of Wealth.
Social Darwinism emphasizes individual competition; Gospel of Wealth urges the rich to use their fortunes for societal good.
Social Darwinism's view on poverty?
Regarded poverty as a natural result of inferior individuals failing to compete.
Who opposed Social Darwinism?
Critics included reformers like Jane Addams, advocating for social responsibility and welfare.
Cause → Effect: Industrialization and Social Darwinism.
Industrialization led to wealth concentration → Justified Social Darwinism as natural economic order.
Social Darwinism's relationship with eugenics?
Social Darwinism influenced eugenics movements, promoting selective breeding to improve society.
True or False: Social Darwinism was supported by labor unions.
False. Labor unions opposed it, fighting for rights and better conditions for workers.
Famous book on Social Darwinism?
Herbert Spencer's 'The Principles of Sociology' (1876), discussing societal evolution.
What did Social Darwinism justify?
It justified imperialism, arguing that stronger nations had a right to conquer weaker ones.
Influence of Social Darwinism on immigration policy?
Promoted restrictive immigration laws, viewing immigrants as 'less fit' for American society.
Key criticism of Social Darwinism?
It oversimplifies human society by ignoring social, economic, and cultural factors.
Social Darwinism's application in education?
Promoted meritocracy, suggesting that only the most capable should succeed academically and socially.
Key event associated with Social Darwinism?
The rise of 'Robber Barons' in the late 19th century exemplified Social Darwinist principles in business.
What did Social Darwinism claim about government intervention?
It opposed government intervention, asserting that it disrupted natural selection in society.
Social Darwinism → economic theory?
It supports laissez-faire capitalism, arguing that economic competition leads to societal progress.
Fill in the blank: The phrase 'survival of the fittest' was popularized by _____.
Herbert Spencer
Gospel of Wealth(20)
Who wrote the Gospel of Wealth?
Andrew Carnegie published the essay in 1889, outlining his views on philanthropy.
Define the Gospel of Wealth.
A philosophy advocating that wealthy individuals should use their fortunes for the greater good of society.
True or False: The Gospel of Wealth promotes hoarding wealth.
False - It encourages using wealth to benefit society, not to hoard it.
What is one key principle of the Gospel of Wealth?
Wealthy individuals have a moral obligation to distribute their fortunes to address societal issues.
Fill in the blank: Carnegie believed that the rich should be _____ to society.
Stewards - They should manage and distribute their wealth responsibly.
How did Carnegie believe wealth should be used?
For public purposes: libraries, schools, and other charities that benefit the community.
Who are two major proponents of the Gospel of Wealth?
Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller are key figures associated with this philosophy.
Comparison: Gospel of Wealth vs. Social Darwinism.
Gospel of Wealth advocates for philanthropy; Social Darwinism justifies inequality and non-intervention.
What was the impact of the Gospel of Wealth on philanthropy?
Increased charitable giving by rich industrialists, leading to significant social reforms and institutions.
True or False: The Gospel of Wealth supports unrestricted capitalism.
False - It suggests that wealth should be used for social good, not just for profit.
What year was the Gospel of Wealth published?
1889 - The essay marked a significant moment in American philanthropy discussions.
Fill in the blank: Carnegie argued that the wealthy are _____ of their fortunes.
Trustees - They hold wealth in trust for the community's benefit.
What social issue did the Gospel of Wealth primarily address?
Inequality - It sought to mitigate the effects of wealth disparity through philanthropy.
How did Carnegie view government intervention?
He believed it was not the government's role to redistribute wealth; rather, it was the rich's duty.
Give an example of philanthropy influenced by the Gospel of Wealth.
The establishment of public libraries, funded by wealthy donors like Carnegie.
What legacy did the Gospel of Wealth leave?
It transformed the approach to philanthropy, emphasizing responsible giving and social contribution.
True or False: The Gospel of Wealth advocates for equal distribution of wealth.
False - It accepts wealth inequality but emphasizes the responsibility of the wealthy.
What effect did the Gospel of Wealth have on public policy?
Encouraged policies that promoted charitable foundations and public institutions funded by wealthy benefactors.
Name one criticism of the Gospel of Wealth.
Critics argue it allows the wealthy to maintain control over public resources and decision-making.
What ideology is closely associated with the Gospel of Wealth?
Philanthrocapitalism - The idea that wealth creation is tied to social responsibility.
Questions in this Study Set(40)
1. What does Social Darwinism primarily advocate regarding societal competition?
2. Who is primarily associated with the philosophy known as the Gospel of Wealth?
3. Who is considered a key figure in promoting Social Darwinism in the United States?
4. The Gospel of Wealth argues that wealthy individuals should use their fortunes for what purpose?
5. True or False: Social Darwinism encouraged government intervention in social issues.
6. What year was the Gospel of Wealth published?
7. What effect did Social Darwinism have on American views of imperialism?
8. Which of the following best describes a key principle of the Gospel of Wealth?
9. Fill in the blank: Social Darwinism became prominent in the ____ century.
10. Fill in the blank: Carnegie believed that the wealthy are _____ of their wealth.
11. How did Social Darwinism view poverty?
12. Which of the following was a direct consequence of the Gospel of Wealth?
13. Which of the following was NOT a consequence of Social Darwinism?
14. True or False: The Gospel of Wealth supports the idea of equal distribution of wealth.
15. What did critics of Social Darwinism argue?
16. Which of the following actions would NOT align with the principles of the Gospel of Wealth?
17. What did Social Darwinism contribute to in terms of immigration policy?
18. What criticism is often aimed at the Gospel of Wealth?
19. Which economic theory is closely associated with Social Darwinism?
20. Fill in the blank: According to Carnegie, the rich have a moral obligation to use their wealth for _____ purposes.
21. Which of the following best describes the relationship between Social Darwinism and eugenics?
22. Which two figures are primarily associated with the Gospel of Wealth and philanthropy?
23. What was the perspective of Social Darwinism regarding education?
24. True or False: The Gospel of Wealth supports unrestricted capitalism.
25. Fill in the blank: Herbert Spencer's influential work, 'The Principles of Sociology', was published in _____.
26. What social issue does the Gospel of Wealth primarily seek to address?
27. Which event in the late 19th century exemplified Social Darwinist principles in business?
28. How did Carnegie feel about government intervention in wealth distribution?
29. How did Social Darwinism influence attitudes toward the wealthy?
30. Which ideology closely aligns with the Gospel of Wealth?
31. Social Darwinism suggests that government intervention in the economy is:
32. Which of the following is an example of philanthropy influenced by the Gospel of Wealth?
33. Which of the following concepts contrasts with Social Darwinism?
34. What was one significant impact of the Gospel of Wealth on philanthropy?
35. True or False: Social Darwinism has been widely accepted by labor movements.
36. What is a major difference between the Gospel of Wealth and Social Darwinism?
37. Which of the following statements best reflects the principles of Social Darwinism?
38. Which of the following best illustrates the concept of the Gospel of Wealth in practice?
39. In the context of Social Darwinism, which of the following scenarios illustrates its principles?
40. Which statement is NOT true regarding the Gospel of Wealth?
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