AP European History Flashcards: Darwinism, Social Darwinism
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is Social Darwinism?
Social Darwinism refers to racialist theories that used Charles Darwin's scientific account of biological change as an inadvertent justification.
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What is Social Darwinism?
Social Darwinism refers to racialist theories that used Charles Darwin's scientific account of biological change as an inadvertent justification.
How were Darwin's scientific theories used in a social context?
Darwin's theories were used to provide a justification for racialist theories, which became known as Social Darwinism.
Identify the time period when Darwin's theories significantly influenced scientific and social developments.
The period of significant influence for Darwin's theories on scientific and social developments was from 1815 to 1914.
Did Charles Darwin intend for his work to support racialist theories?
No, the provided text states that his work inadvertently provided a justification for these theories.
Term: Darwin's Influence (1815-1914)
This refers to the impact of Darwin's theories on scientific and social developments, including the rise of Social Darwinism, during this period.
What was the nature of Charles Darwin's account of biological change?
Charles Darwin provided a scientific and material account of biological change.
In what two broad areas did Darwin's theories have a major influence from 1815 to 1914?
From 1815 to 1914, Darwin's theories influenced both scientific and social developments.
What was the unintended consequence of Darwin's work?
Darwin's work inadvertently provided a justification for the racialist theories of Social Darwinism.
What is the relationship between Darwin's biological theories and racialist theories?
Darwin's biological theories were used as an inadvertent justification for racialist theories like Social Darwinism.
For what specific type of social theory did Darwin's work provide an inadvertent justification?
His work provided an inadvertent justification for racialist theories.