What was the primary aim of the eugenics movement in the nineteenth century?

The primary aim of the eugenics movement in the nineteenth century was to encourage reproduction among individuals deemed "smart" and "fit," reflecting the belief that certain traits were inheritable and could be improved through selective breeding. Proponents of eugenics sought to control reproduction in order to increase the prevalence of desirable traits in the population, such as intelligence, health, and social capability, while aiming to reduce traits that were considered undesirable, such as mental illness or physical disabilities. This movement was grounded in a misunderstanding of genetics and frequently led to social and ethical injustices, including forced sterilizations and discriminatory practices.

This focus on selective reproduction contrasts sharply with the other options, which do not align with the core principles of eugenics. The eugenics movement was not about promoting social equality; rather, it enforced hierarchies based on perceived genetic worth. While some may have hoped education could eradicate mental illness, this did not represent the focus of the eugenics movement, which placed emphasis on heredity over social interventions. Similarly, while enhancing physical fitness is a commendable goal, eugenics specifically targeted reproduction to influence genetic traits, rather than encouraging fitness purely through lifestyle changes like exercise.