Book Summary

“War Against the Weak: Eugenics and America’s Campaign to Create a Master Race” by Edwin Black explores the history of the eugenics movement in the United States, its philosophical underpinnings, and its impact on society. The book details how eugenics influenced policies aimed at controlling human reproduction, promoting racial purity, and ultimately, how these ideas contributed to the horrors of the Holocaust. Black argues that the eugenics movement was not only a European phenomenon but had deep roots and significant implementation in America.

Topics the Book Covers:

1. Introduction to Eugenics
   • Definition and origins of eugenics
   • Overview of key figures in the movement
2. The Philosophical Foundations
   • Social Darwinism and its influence
   • The role of science and pseudoscience in promoting eugenics
3. Eugenics in America
   • Early eugenics movements in the U.S.
   • Key organizations and individuals involved (e.g., American Eugenics Society)
   • Public support and government endorsement
4. Legislation and Policies
   • Overview of significant laws (e.g., sterilization laws)
   • Case studies of states implementing eugenics policies
   • Impact on marginalized groups (disabled, minorities)
5. Eugenics and Immigration
   • How eugenics influenced immigration policies
   • Racial and ethnic discrimination in immigration laws
6. The Role of Institutions
   • Eugenics in education and public health
   • The involvement of universities and medical institutions
7. International Influence
   • American eugenics’ impact on Nazi Germany
   • The transfer of ideas and practices across borders
8. Public Backlash and Decline
   • Critiques and challenges to eugenics
   • The eventual decline of the movement post-World War II
9. Legacy of Eugenics
   • Lasting effects on American society and policies
   • Modern implications and ethical discussions
10. Conclusion: Reflections on the moral lessons of the eugenics movement and call for awareness and vigilance against similar ideologies today.

War Against the Weak_eBook

War Against the Weak is the gripping chronicle documenting how American corporate philanthropies launched a national campaign of ethnic cleansing in the United States, helped found and fund the Nazi eugenics of Hitler and Mengele — and then created the modern movement of “human genetics.” Some 60,000 Americans were sterilized under laws in 27 states. This expanded edition includes two new essays on state genocide.

Pop the document out from the upper right to read / expand / download.

War Against the Weak_Audiobook

Part 1

Audio start in earnest (Introduction @ 15 mins. 38 sec.) and corresponds to page 20 of the above Reader.

Part 2

Learn more in RBG Communiversity Knowledge Media eLibrary:

• Genocides_Past and Present Folder
• BPM | BLM Audiobooks Folder
• BPM | BLM eBooks Folder