Charles darwin, a british scientist, argued that life evolved from simpler forms over a long period of time, and was not created by any superior being or god. in 1925, william jennings bryan was charged and convicted for teaching darwin’s theory to a group of students in tennessee.

How did the theory of social darwinism impact immigrants? it inspired in the immigrants pride that they were able to survive the harsh conditions of their home countries to come to the united states. it demonstrated that immigrants were the most suitable candidates for factory work because they were the most likely to immigrate to rural areas. it encouraged assimilation of immigrants into the american culture through education that involved courses in english and american food and clothing. it provided new american immigrants with a clearly defined social support system to ensure that basic nutritional, educational, employment, and health care needs were met.