Thesis

Beginning in the 1880s, the western world became obsessed with the idea that it could control the next generation's genes. America, which already had a history of racism and ableism, became obsessed. Using a flawed understanding of genetics, they translated their prejudices into legislation that would forcibly sterilize 60,000 Americans. Concerted campaigns communicated with state legislatures to create a network of legislation. Doctors rarely communicated the nature of the sterilizations to victims. Understanding this communication is the key to understanding the American eugeni​​​​​​​cs movement. ​​​​​​​