The Welfare State in America: A Theme for Interpreting 20th Century History

Though United States ideology has apotheosized limited government, the free enterprise system, and economic individualism, the nation's actual economic history demonstrates significant governmental participation and intervention. This article discusses the role that the government has played in the development of the welfare state in the United States from the colonial period to the 20th Century. An extensive list of references is provided. (Author/RM)