Abstract: Cultural evolution is a theory that discusses the origin of society and the development of culture from the perspective of evolution. It was born in the second half of the nineteenth century. There is no consensus among scholars as to whether or how the theory is influenced by Darwin’s theory of evolution. Based on the analysis of Darwin’s correspondence with Spencer, Tylor and Morgan, this article finds that The Origin of Species gave Spencer a new understanding of the causes, direction, and mechanisms of evolution; Tylor’s attitude towards Darwin’s influence is undefined, but from the frequent academic exchanges between them, it is clear that the underlying logic of their evolutionary views is the same; Morgan stated that his results of investigation were consistent with Darwinian evolution, and clearly pointed out that Darwin’s theory made ethnology possible. By further exploring Darwin’s theoretical dialogue between them, this study will figure out how cultural anthropology was formed with Darwin’s overwhelming impact.

Key Words: Darwin; Correspondence; Evolution; Cultural Anthropology