Darwinism Boosted Racism

Racism existed long before Darwin, of course, but Darwinism did radicalize racism in the late nineteenth century, providing scientific justification for racial inequality, racial competition, and even racial extermination.  In harmony with the rising tide of positivism and materialism, Darwinism also helped sweep aside ethical considerations, which had been a restraint on racial extermination (albeit not always very effective.).

Richard Weikart, From Darwin to Hitler, p.203