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England went through dramatic changes in the 19th century.

English culture, socio-economic structure and politics where largely

influenced by the principles of science. Many social expressions

occurred due to these changes. Transformations which categorized this

time period could be observed in social institutions; for instance: the

switch from popular Evangelicalism to atheism, emergence of feminism and

the creation of new political ideologies (Liberalism, Conservatism and

Radicalism). These are just a few of the changes that took place. All

of this social alteration can be attributed to the importance of

science. The English people began to trust more in empiricism and

logical thought than in faith and glory of the empire . One who

contributed greatly to this transformation was Charles Darwin. In his

two most famous works, The Origin of Species and The Decent of Man,

Darwin introduces the concept of "the survival of the fittest" and

"natural selection".

The Darwinian ideas introduced into English society justified a

great number of political policies and social movements. England at the

turn of the century was still a largest power in the international

system. The English perceived, through the justification of Darwinism,

they were fit to be the imperial hegemon in the world. The issue this

essay will deal with is Imperialism and how Darwinism justified its

practice. Darwin argued in his work, The Decent of Man, "When civilised

nations come into contact with barbarians the struggle is short except

where a deadly climate gives its aid to the native race. . . the grade

of civilisation seems to be a...