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Colonial America
During the Colonial era, many settlers found themselves poor. However, the had all the necessities in order to make a living. The United States was in the process of becoming the United States of America. In the mid-1800s, the federal government gained some responsibly for the poor. Back then, it was a sign of weakness to be in poverty. Social workers didn't exist so most people relied on local government or didn't ask for any assistance. -
Civil War
The Civil War began when the North and the South had disagreements on the enslavement of black people. This left family's without the breadwinner of the family. After the war was over, some men returned to their family's, and some didn't. Those who did returned suffered from mental health disorders, physically disabled, or both. Black people who were now free found themselves lost and needing assistance. Congress established laws to provide black people with their new freedom such as employment. -
Settlement House Movement
The Settlement House Movements purpose was to bring the rich community and the poor community together. The rich community established settlement houses for immigrants and low-income neighborhoods. In 1889, Jane Addams, the mother of social work, started Hull House. The purpose of the Hull House was residence, research, and reform. During this movement, Addams was contributing to the idea of social work practice. -
The Great Depression
The stock market crashed leaving 6 million men and women unemployed. Many families struggled with daily living and found themselves in poverty. Local and state government, as well as charities, became overwhelmed with the amount of assistance needed. In 1933, Franklin Roosevelt took office. That same year, Congress established the Federal Emergency Relief Administration to give relief to communities by distributing $5.2 billion. Roosevelt and Congress worked hard to get the US out of poverty. -
Post-World War II
After World War II, some soldiers returned home and some didn't. The ones who did may be physically disabled, developed a mental disorder, or both. The poverty issue had decreased but a portion still remained. The civil rights movement was beginning to change society's views. Many civil rights act were established and well as great society programs. The need for social workers were increasing. -
Progressive Movement
The progressive era was a time when people wanted to eliminate problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and political corruption. On top of that, women's right in the work place were being fought for. This era was important to social work because it helped establish labor and work laws to ensure people had a chance to live financially stable
