Social Security Act

On August 14, 1935, the Social Security Act was enacted, creating a system that provided old-age benefits for workers, compensation for workplace accidents, unemployment insurance, and assistance for dependent mothers and children, individuals who are blind, and those with disabilities.
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<p><span class="deck">Had Franklin D. Roosevelt not been so conservative, we might have had national health insurance forty years ago</span></p>

<p><span class="deck">THE CRACKPOT IDEA THAT LED TO SOCIAL SECURITY</span></p>

<p><span class="deck">Compromise upon compromise whittled FDR’s dreams down considerably, but enabled him to pass the Social Security Act, perhaps the most sweeping social reform of the 20th century.</span></p>

<p>He could be charming and witty, but also devious and cruel, said aides closest to Franklin Roosevelt.</p>