Eugenics Perspectives
Definition
The word eugenics means to be "well born" and the scientific portion of it was to understand the principles of genetics in order to improve human hereditary (Cogdell). Francis Galton, who first used eugenics, wanted to improve humanity by giving future generation more suitable strains of blood and races; thus a better chance of prevailing over less suitable ones.
American Roots
In 1906 a group was created by an extension of the American Breeders Association that gave the United States its first organization in eugenics. In 1910 the socio-political portion of eugenics created a stir among the public. It had moral issues of diminishing the unfit while at the same time trying to increase the birthrate of the fit. (Cogdell)
American Legislation
In the United States eugenics found its way into not only the minds of economists and and thiners of the day but also into politics. Legislation started a couple decades later than the movement did, as the popularity grew.
