Question

how did the theory of social darwinism justify european imperialism during the 19th century? a. it claimed that african and asian people should be killed to make territories completely european. b. it argued that wealthy states had a responsibility to provide financial aid to poor countries. c. it suggested that a country’s people had the right to select their own government. d. it suggested that powerful countries had the right to rule over weaker countries.

Explanation:

Social Darwinism adapted Darwin's "survival of the fittest" to human societies. European imperialists used this to frame their power as evidence of being "fit," arguing they were justified in dominating less industrialized, weaker nations as a natural, inevitable process. Options A, B, and C do not align with the core logic of social Darwinism's role in justifying imperialism.

Answer:

D. It suggested that powerful countries had the right to rule over weaker countries.