Charles Benedict Davenport was a biologist and eugenicist influential in the American eugenics movement.
Davenport in c.1929
Eugenics in the United States
Eugenics, the set of beliefs and practices which aims at improving the genetic quality of the human population, played a significant role in the history and culture of the United States from the late 19th century into the mid-20th century. The cause became increasingly promoted by intellectuals of the Progressive Era.
Winning family of a Fitter Family contest stand outside of the Eugenics Building (where contestants register) at the Kansas Free Fair, in Topeka, Kansas.
Eugenics supporters hold signs criticizing various "genetically inferior" groups. Wall Street, New York, c. 1915.
U.S. eugenics poster advocating for the removal of genetic "defectives" such as the insane, "feeble-minded" and criminals, and supporting the selective breeding of "high-grade" individuals, c. 1926
Contestants preparing for the Better Baby Contest at the 1931 Indiana State Fair.