Who introduced the idea of "social Darwinism" to justify imperialism?

• A. Karl Marx
• B. Herbert Spencer
• C. Charles Darwin
• D. Sigmund Freud

Answer: (B)

The idea of "social Darwinism" was introduced by Herbert Spencer, who applied Charles Darwin's theories of natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies. Spencer believed that just as species evolve and adapt through natural selection, human societies also progress through competition. He suggested that certain races or nations were more advanced than others, using this belief to argue that imperialism and the domination of "weaker" societies by "stronger" ones were natural and beneficial processes. This concept provided a pseudo-scientific justification for imperialism, asserting that intervention and control by more 'evolved' nations were necessary for the progress of less developed regions.

In contrast, Karl Marx focused on class struggle and economic factors in societal change rather than on biological concepts. Charles Darwin, although the originator of theories related to natural selection, did not apply these concepts to human societies in the way that Spencer did. Sigmund Freud, known for his theories of psychology and psychoanalysis, did not contribute to discussions on imperialism in the context of social evolution or competition. Thus, Herbert Spencer’s association with and expansion of Darwinian ideas specifically for justifying imperialistic practices makes him the correct answer.