MA, Kent State University, 2023, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of History

This thesis analyzes the international eugenics movement and retains a particular focus on Harry Hamilton Laughlin, the prominent American eugenicist and superintendent of the Cold Spring Harbor Eugenics Office (ERO) and his world government proposal. Despite previous historiographical trends which privilege nationalistic or mere comparative models of eugenics, this thesis follows a truly transnational model (reflecting the work of Daniel Rodgers on Progressivism), in order to demonstrate that both eugenic knowledge and legislation was shared internationally across both sides of the Atlantic. Moreover, this thesis argues that Harry Laughlin's world government proposal, in which he sought to apply international eugenics to world government, was not only a logical extension of his eugenic goals, but also his attempt to repair his perceived issues with the League of Nations. Overall, this thesis seeks to shed light on the international nature of the eugenics movement not only in the historical record, but in order to better combat eugenics' legacy through an international anti-eugenics movement.

Committee: Kenneth Bindas (Advisor); Matthew Crawford (Committee Member); Kevin Adams (Committee Member) Subjects: American History; European History; History