during "The Great Depression" of the 1930's. Is that true? If so, would that amount to "forced labor?"
2006-09-26 23:56:29 · 7 answers · asked by Bluebeard 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
"None of the government agencies had a welfare program, on the federal, state or local level- to provide money to the unemployed."
That is incorrect.
Welfare became a Federal responsibility in 1935. Before that, 30 states had welfare programs run at the state level and the rest of the country had welfare programs run at the county and town levels. Poorhouses and orphanages were in almost every County. There were also many private relief organizations.
As the depression worsened, the demand for relief was much greater than the available supply.
Also, between 1911 and 1933, every state except for two had created what was called "mother's pension" so that single mothers could raise their children without working.
2006-09-27 01:28:11 · answer #1 · answered by BoomChikkaBoom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Aside from suggesting that you do a little research on your own in future, so you don't look silly- the answer is no. These other folks have done a good job of explaining what the WPA and CCC were about, so I won't add anything there. However, welfare as you would recognize it did not exist. None of the government agencies had a welfare program, on the federal, state or local level- to provide money to the unemployed. No one was on welfare, because it did not exist. The idea of the government giving money to people without them working for it was abhorant to the majority of the population anyway, and most wouldn't have taken it if it had existed. Unlike today, when the mere suggestion that a person actually work to earn a paycheck is almost anathema. Forced labor wouldn't hurt some of them a bit, it's too bad it is illegal in some cases.
2006-09-27 00:13:22 · answer #2 · answered by The mom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. No one was forced. The WPA and CCC were programs created by the Government to afford unemployed men the opportunity to gain a wage where there were no other opportunities. These public works projects helped shape the national infrastructure and kept people from falling into poverty. you are thinking about a time where it was not popular to receive public assistance, and where most people wanted to work. Welfare was not "chic". This was also the time where family units were important, that men did not abandon their families or children, where people were seriously concerned about what their communities felt about them, and when a handshake was a good as a written contract. As bad as these times were, in many respects they were better than today.
2006-09-27 00:02:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Those young men weren't forced. They were the only jobs most could get during the Depression. Those programs were an attempt by FDR to get the country out of depression without going into WWII.
2006-09-27 00:00:56 · answer #4 · answered by mindrizzle 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sorry i dont know much about your question, but am surprised at answerers above who are implying that you should do more research before asking. isn't this an open forum for brainstorming?? how do you know that 'buttermilk' hasn't already searched and would now like some answers from everyday folks??
lighten up people.
have a nice day.
2006-09-28 01:27:12 · answer #5 · answered by maAternal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try some searching of some HISTORY about it before trying to link "forced labor" with it . You might have a idea about what your talking about that way
2006-09-26 23:59:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If they didn't want to work, they could have turned down the money.
2006-09-27 00:02:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋