Health Behavior and Health Education

John Harvey Kellogg. , ca. 1914. July 17. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2002715785/.

"To Rid Society of Imbeciles": The Impact of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg's Stand for Eugenics

Elizabeth Stout

When people think of eugenics, what most often comes to mind is Hitler’s persecution of Jews during World War II, but the American eugenics movement began significantly before and a doctor in Michigan played a significant role. Understanding the history of eugenics in the United States is important, and can help us be more vigilant in ensuring that a similar movement does not start in the future.