The application of Social Darwinism in Australia and Canada had significant impacts, particularly on Indigenous populations.
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Children were removed from Indigenous homes and sent to government-run schools so they could become more European: This statement accurately reflects a consequence of Social Darwinism in both countries. The ideology contributed to policies that aimed to assimilate Indigenous peoples into European culture. In Australia, this led to the Stolen Generations, where Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their families to be raised in institutions or by white families. Similarly, in Canada, Indigenous children were placed in residential schools where they were forbidden to speak their languages or practice their cultures, reflecting a similar aim of assimilation.
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Indigenous people were separated by ethnic identity according to who appeared more European: This also aligns with the effects of Social Darwinism. Sociopolitical frameworks in both Australia and Canada categorized Indigenous peoples based on their appearance and perceived level of 'civilization,' leading to differential treatment and further marginalization.
In summary, the ideologies influenced the treatment of Indigenous populations, perpetuating assimilation policies and practices that sought to erase Indigenous identities in favor of European cultural norms. This had lasting negative impacts on Indigenous communities in both countries.