Evolution, Genetics, and Disastrous Consequences

Question

Description

Galton, Spencer and other 19th century thinkers believed that the new discoveries about evolution and genetics could be used in the service of social progress.

Over the following century, however, these ideas in the form of eugenics and "Social Darwinism" became associated with widespread human rights abuses and genocide during World War II.

Does this mean that the original ideas on which these perspectives were based were somehow flawed?

How else can we account for these disastrous consequences?

For ideas about this topic, you can start with the following links. Many others are available as well. Be sure to cite your sources.

http://blogs.britannica.com/2009/02/beyond-darwin-eugenics-social-darwinism-and-the-social-theory-of-the-natural-selection-of-humans/

***If possible please use regular websites and not peer reviewed journals or scientific journals for this homework assignment. Any popular media sites are preferred!