Home Page

400 Years of Welfare

400 Years of Welfare TIMELINE

Civilizations can be judged by the kind of care given to the needy and less fortunate. Making provision for widows and orphans dates back to the Code of Hammurabi, about 4000 years ago.

The history of social welfare in America reflects our changing society. The move from country to city, religious revivalism, immigrants, war and economic crisis all affect what we think and do about welfare.

Follow the 400 Years of Welfare timeline to see how over time we've answered the same questions we ask today about welfare: Who deserves help? Who should help themselves? And how can we reform the system?

400 Years of Welfare TIMELINE