Social Darwinism was one of the most powerful movements in 19th century Germany, says Professor Jerry Bergman. As the movement intensified, the Jews became inhumane in the eyes of the Germans. This is one of the reasons why the Nazis felt no remorse at the time, because they had deprived the Jews of every bit of humanity they had obtained. Social Darwinism was first discussed by the British philosopher and sociologist Herbert Spencer. Social Darwinism dates back to its oldest form, Darwinism. Because Social Darwinism and Darwinism have similar names, people think they are the same concept, but they are two completely different theories. Social Darwinism was a way of classifying the “fit” and the “unfit.” Darwinism, on the other hand, was the way species evolve over time to better adapt to their environment. Throughout history, Social Darwinism has appeared several times. For example, Social Darwinism was used in the progressive and imperialist era. The Social Darwinism of the Holocaust differs from the Social Darwinism of the Progressive Era or the Imperialist Era in how people responded to situations. Social Darwinism during the Holocaust provided scientific justification for the actions of the Nazis (Bergman). Spencer's theory of Social Darwinism encouraged and pushed the Nazis on topics such as: stereotypes that led to the recognition of Jews as a race, eugenics, racial supremacy, and the elimination of weaker races by a superior race. Social Darwinism brings a lot of confusion. comparing it to original Darwinism. Social Darwinism is the idea that one type of race is better than another. The theory of “survival of the fittest” best represents this idea. “Survival of the fittest” refers to the weakest group...... middle of paper ...... 2011. "Holocaust Encyclopedia." Unbound States Holocaust Memorial Museum. No. January 6, 2011. the web. March 14, 2011. “laisser faire”. Mariam-Webster Dictionary. Google. Naked. the canvas. March 29, 2011. McConnell, Tandy. “Anti-Semitism: Does the Holocaust have its origins in 19th-century Social Darwinism? History in dispute. Flight. 11: The Holocaust, 1933-1945. Detroit: St. James Press, 2003. 17-26. Global issues in context. Internet. March 28, 2011. Lennox, James. "Darwinism." Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Metaphysical. Nelson, Joe. “Origins OF the Holocaust.” Signature School, Evansville. April 12, 2011. Conference. Research laboratory. January 19, 2010. the web. March 30, 2010. Ruse, Michael. The evolution-creation struggle. London: Harvard University Press, 2005. Print. March 28, 2011. “Social Darwinism.” Ohio History Center. No. July 1, 2005. the web. March 29 2011