1. Discussion #3: The late 19th-century self-made man
Industrialization brought great wealth to America, but the price was quite high. The
growing extremes of poverty and wealth that were being exhibited at the end of the 19th
century, caused some to seek ways to make possible a just and humane society, while others
sought justification for the emerging social order. The promise of success was made,
promoting the idea that America was the land of opportunity and that hard work led to
success. Social Darwinism was used to provide a scientific explanation for why some
acquired great wealth while others barely survived.How would you respond to someone
who presents you with the arguments proposed by Social Darwinists to explain the success
or failures of individuals in the society? What evidence would you use to support your
position? For this discussion, you must first identify and present their arguments, and then
your counterargument. As you collect your information for this discussion you should keep
in mind the opportunities that were available to many, but also the climate of racism that
permeated parts of the American society and the legalized discrimination that existed.
