8
QuizMultiple Choice

Philanthropy and the Gospel of Wealth

Question 8 • 8th Grade US History & Geography A

William Graham Sumner was a social Darwinist who believed that

Answer
A
Business should reward employees for their efforts.
B
Government should leave business to its own devices.
C
Business and government should work together to eliminate poverty.
D
Government has a role to play in helping less fortunate people lead better lives.

Explanation

Sumner applied the idea of “survival of the fittest” to society and opposed government efforts to interfere with competition or help people who were struggling. Therefore, he believed government should leave business to its own devices. Choices C and D describe government action to address poverty, which Sumner generally opposed.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

Previous
Next