405: A History of Eugenics in America w/ Mark A. Torres

In the early twentieth century, eugenics captivated scientists and the public alike, giving researchers license to exploit the infirm, the mentally ill, prisoners, Native communities and many others considered "defective" or "feebleminded" under the guise of genetics. At its center stood the Eugenics Record Office in Cold Spring Harbor, directed by Charles Davenport from 1910 to 1939. From this Long Island building emerged policies of forced sterilization and ideas that would later influence Nazi ideology.

My guest is Mark A. Torres, author of Long Island and the Legacy of Eugenics: Staton of Intolerance. He gives a brief history of the ERO and its aim to guide human reproduction according to eugenic ideals.

pictured: Charles Davenport

More about the author at his website: http://www.marktorresauthor.com/

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