Category: History > Welfare
One of the most significant turning points in the development of social welfare systems was the impact of the Great Depression in the United States during the 1930s. As unemployment skyrocketed and economic hardship affected millions, the federal government recognized the urgent need for a safety net to protect its citizens. This led to the establishment of the Social Security Act in 1935, which created a system of old-age benefits and unemployment insurance. This act not only provided financial assistance to the elderly and unemployed but also laid the groundwork for similar welfare programs worldwide, fundamentally altering the relationship between the state and its citizens regarding social safety and economic security. The Social Security Act's legacy continues to influence social policies and discussions around welfare systems today, highlighting the role of crises in prompting significant legislative change.