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Middle Ages: The English Poor Laws
During this time social welfare needs were met by service, craft, or merchant guilds. This would include feeding the needy or providing free lodging to travelers. The English Poor Laws served as an early model for much of American Social Welfare. In 1602 the Elizabethan Poor Laws were created to control the poor who the government thought would become destructive. These laws had both positive and repressive features. The laws held the English government accountable to assist the poor and needy. -
Civil War
Dorthea Dix was a mental health advocate and demanded that the solution laid within state and federal intervention. She was successful in passing in 1854 supporting the mentally ill. The Civil War created an important period of relief ativities. The U.S Sanitary Commission in 1861 became the first important national health group. The Freedmen's Bureau was created and was responsible for providing assistance to African American's as they transitioned from slavery to freedom. -
Charity Organization Societies
The charity organization societies were a major provider of care in the destitute.These groups coordinated care by operating community wide registration bureaus, provided direct relief, and educated the upper and lower classes. Their work was done by a committee of volunteers called "friendly visitors". They would conduct an investigation into their assigned case and instruct the poor on how to live better. -
industrialization
During the industrialization era american life dramatically changed. Prior most people lived a self sufficient lifestyle. With the industrialization era the traditional social welfare methods were not adequate anymore. Thus, special institutions and services were greatly needed. American cities were overpopulated and filled with disease and crime. Industrial jobs offered almost no security. -
The Great Depression
The stock market crashed in October 1929 leaving 50 percent of workers unemployed .Twenty million people were on relief rolls by 1932. By the 1920's most farmers were devestated by the great depression and responded with protests. In 1933 Congress established the Federal Emergency Relief Administration to provide emergency relief. -
Post World War II
Welfare programs suffered and American's believed that poverty was near gone by the 1950's. president Lyndon Johnson declared a war on poverty. These programs focused on empowering poor communities. The Great Society was based on the idea that the creation of jobs, education, and other incentives would bring an end to poverty.