Other
Social Security Act of 1935
A good overview of the Social Security Act, what it included, why it was proposed, and those whom it protected. Included are reasons for opposition to the act and mention of those who were left out of coverage. You can also read Franklin...
US National Archives
Nara: Social Security Act
See the first page of the Social Security Act from the National Archives date stamped August 12, 1935. FDR signed the act into law two days later.
Wisconsin Historical Society
Wisconsin Historical Society: A Brief Explanation of the Social Security Act
The Social Security Act was brought into law in 1935. This booklet was published by the government in 1935 to explain how the Act worked.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Social Security
See how the relationship between the government and its citizens was changed with the passage of the Social Security Act in 1935.
Stanford University
Sheg: Document Based History: Reading Like a Historian: Social Security
[Free Registration/Login Required] Take a look at two interpretations of the development of the Social Security program. Also break down the role of government in programs such as taxes and social welfare.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: 1935 Congressional Debates on Social Security
Full text of the debates in the House and the Senate over the Social Security Act of 1935, proposed by President Roosevelt for economic relief and recovery as part of his New Deal. Each of the debates can be downloaded in PDF form.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: 1937 Supreme Court Opinions
An in-depth discussion on the constitutionality of the Social Security Act and the 1937 Supreme Court decisions that helped settle it.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: History: Social Insurance for u.s.
The text of a radio speech given by Secretary of Labor Francis Perkins in 1935 in which he explained the Administration's proposals contained in the Economic Security Bill. This bill formed the basis for what later became the Social...
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Social Security Act of 1935
Provides 15 detailed facts and a summary of one of the most important elements of FDR's New Deal program, the Social Security Act of 1935.
Digital History
Digital History: Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, and Welfare [Pdf]
After reading a brief history of Social Security and its inception in the United States during the Great Depression, find out about the various programs that provide a social safety net to its citizens. See how these programs are funded,...
The Balance
The Balance: Learn About Fica, Social Security, and Medicare Taxes
Without understanding FICA, many high school students who begin working are shocked when they get their first paychecks. This article clearly explains these payroll taxes and what they mean for both employees and employers.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: 1935 Administration Economic Security Bill
A description of the Economic Security Act proposed to Congress by Roosevelt in 1935, with a link for downloading a PDF version of the final bill.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: Frances Perkins
Biography of Frances Perkins and her role in passing the Social Security Act. Includes personal quotes and links to other sites with more information on her service to Franklin Roosevelt.
New Deal Network
New Deal Network: Works of Fdr: A Message to the Congress on Social Security
Text of FDR's speech to Congress on January 17, 1935, regarding Social Security.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: Upton Sinclair
The Social Security Administration profiles the political career of author Upton Sinclair and his unsuccessful run as a progressive candidate for governor of California in 1934. He proposed a plan for California similar to what became...
Digital History
Digital History: Social Security
A brief look at the Social Security Act of 1935 which expanded the government's role in providing social welfare to those in need. See whom the Act did not help and read about how the legislation exanded the Americans' view of what...
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: A Tea Party That Changed History
Essay discussing how Frances Perkins was involved in passage of the Social Security Act. Also contains a link to a speech given by Perkins to SSA employees.
Curated OER
History Matters: "I Will Not Promise the Moon"
As a candidate for President in 1936, Alf Landon gave a speech opposing the Social Security Act. Read his reasons for not supporting the law and why he didn't think that workers should be forced to save for their retirement.
Other
Tax history.com Federal Income Tax History
TaxHistory.com provides a detailed look at the development and history of the federal income tax. Content addresses the roots of the federal income tax with the 1894 Income Tax Act, the reasoning behind the 16th amendment, the two uses...
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: Historical Development [Pdf]
Social Security Online provides a history of the beginning of Social Security. The United States was one of the last developed countries to adopt an old-age pension system.
Wisconsin Historical Society
Wisconsin Historical Society: Edwin Witte, 1887 1960
Edwin Witte was known as the founder of Social Security, having created the plan for it when he worked on the Committee on Economic Security under President Franklin Roosevelt. This is a biography of his life.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Kennedy Acts on Domestic Front
Outlines the domestic policies of President John F. Kennedy, touching on the economy, unemployment, social security, and racial discrimination.
Curated OER
Seal of Social Security Board
History of the Social Security Administration, which was created at the time FDR signed the Social Security Act. Links to related people, as well as a timeline and narrative history of Social Security since 1935. Gives details on the...
Curated OER
Seal of Social Security Administration
History of the Social Security Administration, which was created at the time FDR signed the Social Security Act. Links to related people, as well as a timeline and narrative history of Social Security since 1935. Gives details on the...