Charles Darwin and evolution

In the second half of the 19^th century in Britain some ideological conflicts were beginning to undermine the self-confident attitude that had characterized the first part of Victoria's reign. Changes regarded several fields, especially scientific achievements, sexuality and religion. A growing pessimism began to affect intellectuals and artists, who expressed in different ways their sense of doubt about the stability of Victorian society.

In 1859, Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution in On the Origin of Species. Darwin's radical contribution was his theory of natural 'selection'.

Darwin's theory discarded the version of creation given by the Bible, it also seemed to show that the strongest survived and the weakest deserved to be defeated.

1871, Darwin's The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex

In this seminal work Darwin developed the theory of evolution and natural selection, according to which:

• all living creatures in existence have taken their forms through a slow process of change and adaptation in a struggle for survival;

• favourable physical conditions determine he survival of a species;

• man evolved, like any other animals.