Many believe that the Eugenics Movement started in the United States was the basis for many of the Nazi parties' policies and practices. Those who believed in this atrocity wanted human beings who were not "perfect" not be allowed to procreate and steps were taken for decades to sterilize American citizens who met the criteria. These included Native Americans, Down syndrome citizens, those mentally ill, and others of this ilk. It was just another attempt by white European males to stay in power in this country and is a sad part of US history.