Date of Award

Spring 2021

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Department

History

First Advisor

Joseph November

Abstract

This work examines the evolution of eugenic ideology in South Carolina during the Progressive Era by following relevant discussions published in The State newspaper. Between 1891 and 1939, The State newspaper provided a platform for discussions about eugenic ideology to be disseminated to the general public. Through eugenics the white portion of the South Carolina population saw a way to retain white supremacy and create better progeny. An examination of The State reveals a network of discussions that reached across South Carolina, the United States, as well as Western Europe. The existence of newspaper articles illustrates cultural integration in the form of organizational support and governmental interactions with eugenics. Into the 1930s, The State also reveals continued support for eugenic practices in the face of Nazi Germany eugenics.

Rights

© 2021, Hannah Nicole Patton

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