How did Social Darwinism relate to imperialism?

Social Darwinism, a concept that emerged in the late 19th century, applied the principles of natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies and nations. This ideology posited that certain nations and races were inherently superior to others, leading to the belief that stronger nations had both the ability and the right to dominate weaker ones. Such beliefs provided a framework that justified imperialistic expansion, as many felt it was a natural order for advanced civilizations to conquer and civilize those that were deemed less developed.

This connection to imperialism allowed for a pseudo-scientific rationale for the expansionist policies of European powers and the United States during this period. Many imperialists used Social Darwinism to argue that their conquests were beneficial for the "weaker" nations, suggesting that the imposition of their political, economic, and cultural systems would help those societies evolve and improve.

The other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between Social Darwinism and imperialism. While some ideologies indeed criticized imperialism or focused on cultural exchange, Social Darwinism specifically reinforced the notion of dominance and control over perceived inferior societies, thereby supporting the expansionist narrative prevalent during the age of imperialism.