How did the theory of social Darwinism influence and justify European imperialism in the nineteenth century?

Introduction / Context:
This question comes from the ideological side of nineteenth century imperialism. Social Darwinism was a misapplication of Charles Darwin’s biological ideas to human societies. It was used by some thinkers and politicians to justify the domination of one nation or race over others, and understanding this link is important for analysing the moral and political background of European imperial expansion.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The theory mentioned is social Darwinism, not Darwin’s original biological theory alone. • We are asked how it affected European imperialism. • The options describe different possible influences, some of which are clearly opposite to what actually happened. • We assume that the learner knows that imperialism involved conquest and control of overseas territories.

Concept / Approach:
Social Darwinism took the idea of survival of the fittest and applied it to nations and races. Many European elites argued that industrially advanced nations were stronger because they were naturally superior. They further claimed that it was natural or even beneficial for these strong nations to rule over weaker peoples. This reasoning provided a convenient moral cover for imperial conquest, exploitation and racial discrimination in Africa, Asia and other regions under colonial rule.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that social Darwinism promoted the belief that competition between groups produces winners and losers. Step 2: Recognise that imperial powers saw themselves as winners, supposedly more advanced and civilised. Step 3: Understand that they used this belief to claim that ruling over others was natural or even helpful. Step 4: Look for the option that clearly states that stronger nations were seen as naturally superior and justified in ruling weaker peoples. Step 5: Select that option as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical studies of imperial ideology often quote politicians and writers who used social Darwinist language. They spoke of higher and lower races, of civilising missions and of the duty of advanced nations to manage less developed ones. Rather than promoting equality, social Darwinism reinforced racial hierarchies and aggressive policies. This confirms that it supported imperialism by portraying conquest as the natural outcome of superiority.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
It convinced Europeans that all cultures were equal and should never be conquered: This would have undermined imperialism, whereas social Darwinism actually strengthened it. It forced European governments to give up colonies and support full independence: No such effect occurred; colonies were kept and expanded. It applied only to animal evolution and had no effect on human societies or imperial policies: In practice, many people did apply it to human societies. It legally banned racial discrimination in all European colonies: In reality, racial discrimination often increased under such beliefs.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to confuse Darwin’s scientific theory itself with social Darwinism, which was a later distortion. Darwin’s biological work did not demand imperial conquest; it was the misuse of his ideas that gave ideological support to imperialism. Always distinguish between neutral scientific theory and the ideological extension called social Darwinism, which justified rule by supposedly superior nations over others.

Final Answer:
Social Darwinism affected imperialism by leading many Europeans to believe that stronger industrial nations were naturally superior and therefore justified in ruling over so called weaker races.