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the Beginning
Inspired by the Labor Movements spurred from the Industrial Revolution, Eugene Debs rose as one of the first prominent socialists in America, eventually establishing the Socialist Party of America. The party focused heavily on expanding government oversight and regulation of business and industry, further supporting Unions, and providing welfare for poor people. Debs from this point forward set the stages for the modern day American Socialist Movement. -
Gaining Momentum
After years of advocating for worker's rights, the Socialist Movement gained momentum in the public eye. While in prison, Eugene Debs and the Socialist Party of America received nearly one million votes in the popular election. While he was still far from obtaining a majority, this was significant as it was the first time a far left candidate gained a significant amount of support in a major election. -
the New Deal
During the Great Depression, the United States under Franklin Roosevelt created some of its first major social welfare programs for the poor and unemployed, following in the vision of people during the progressive era. However, there was backlash even with the creation of Medicare and Medicaid into the 1940s under Truman, as people thought the government was expanding its power too much, along with irresponsibly increasing the national budget and debt. -
the Decline of the Socialist Party
After the Civil Rights era, the socialist party and its members became disillusioned with most of the left-wing and labor unions. This led to the formal end of the Socialist Pary of America, where it would take years to gain back credibility for a movement rooted in the idea of a welfare state and Democratic Socialism. -
Resurgence of Democratic Socialists of America
When Reagan became President, he and conservatives argued to shift Federalism more in favor of the states, inevitably defunding welfare and social programs. In subsequent years, the Democratic Socialists were created in response, and over several decades, more left-wing factions and politicians including Bernie Sanders rose to prominence, arguing for an increase in social welfare funding. -
Normalization of the New Left
During the 2016 Elections, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont ran in the Democratic primaries, openly identifying as a Democratic candidate, where he gained immense popular support. His platforms have shifted the policies of the Democratic party and led to more progressive officials being elected. However, critics say that his goals are still a false promise, and not practical whatsoever. This extends to conservatives and moderate Democrats who feel that he is not representative of them. -
Analysis
Over time, the stance on social welfare has become somewhat more liberal (in terms of more personal freedom), and distant from hardline socialism, or even reference to the term socialism. The shift has focused more on looking at providing universal amenities, like in Nordic countries. This "softening" is to appeal more to the mainstream left-wing base in America. However, historically and in current times, progressives and Democratic socialists rarely budge on compromise. -
Citations
Here is the page of my citations:
(https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BLNzRcIVVq_69qWszx8MVLA4GGtlAYJbxuTVahUmOVs/edit?usp=sharing) . -
Prediction
I think that there is no way of telling the future of social welfare in America, as the pendulum will swing, and power will shift. However, over time, I think that social welfare will very slowly be integrated into society. In the 1930s, America had some of the most advanced social programs in the world and developed into the 1960s, but still was rolled back in the 1980s during the Reagan era. However, no one wants to get rid of something like Medicare, proving that we still want social welfare.
