Civil War

The US Civil War was a conflict between state and federal power. One consequence, though perhaps coincidental, was a change in the federal government's role in social welfare, particularly in public health.

At the War's outset, appalling numbers of troops succumbed to disease, due largely to poor sanitation. A very effective Sanitary Commission was established to disseminate proper health practices.

Though it was not a government agency, the Commission demonstrated to federal and state governments that a nationally led organization could be effective in promoting the public welfare.

It also demonstrated that some issues, like public health, were larger than local concerns and required cooperation between units of government.

The Commission also created new roles for women by putting nurses near the front.