Social Security Administration
Social Security Onilne: Fdr's Statements on Social Security
The Social Security Administration offers texts of thirteen addresses made by Franklin D. Roosevelt on the issue of Social Security. A great resource for primary source material on this topic.
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...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: New Deal
Describes in great detail what Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program was, its objectives, and what happened over the years it was in place.
US National Archives
Our Documents: A National Initiative on American History, Civics, and Service
Our Documents is home to one hundred milestone documents that influenced that course of American history and American democracy. Includes full-page scans of each document, transcriptions, background information on their significance, and...
Other
Historical Thinking Matters: Social Security
Learn about Social Security and the New Deal at this inquiry-based site. Contains many primary source documents for students to critique, a timeline, video, audio, assignments and a WebQuest.
Other
Au: Frances Perkins on the Social Security Act (1935)
Here is a speech given by Frances Perkins, Secretary of Labor in the administration of Franklin Roosevelt, praising the passage of the Social Security Act in 1935. See how this groundbreaking legislation would help the elderly, disabled,...
![Ss Bulletin: Constitutional Background to the Social Security Act of 1935 [Pdf] Primary](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Ss Bulletin: Constitutional Background to the Social Security Act of 1935 [Pdf] Primary")
Other
Ss Bulletin: Constitutional Background to the Social Security Act of 1935 [Pdf]
A very interesting discussion of the potential problems that plagued the implementation of the Social Security Act. Read about the cases brought before the Supreme Court which gave Congress the constitutional ability to tax and spend for...
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...
Internal Revenue Service
Understanding Taxes: The Social Security Act of 1935
This very complete lesson plan explains the history of the Social Security Act of 1935, its history and importance to the elderly during the Great Depression, and its importance today. Everything necessary to teach the lesson plan and...
Internal Revenue Service
Irs: The Social Security Act of 1935 Lesson Plan
This lesson plan will help learners understand the history and purpose of the Social Security Act of 1935 and the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA).
Cornell University
Cornell University: Law School: Social Security Library
The Cornell Law Library provides an exhaustive resource on "the set of programs popularly referred to as Social Security." Read about the Act and its amendments, court decisions, applications, and more.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal 1932 1941: The Second New Deal
Examines the legislation enacted under Roosevelt's Second New Deal, and how the New Deal as a whole affected women, African Americans, and Native Americans.
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.
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.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Fdr: Fireside Chats, the New Deal, and Eleanor
In this Curriculum Unit, learners will consider "FDR: Fireside Chats, the New Deal, and Eleanor" in 5 Lessons. The unit also includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
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.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Social Security Act (1935)
Explanation of the importance of the Social Security Act and how it differed from social security initiatives of European countries. Includes a facsimile of the act's official entry in the Enrolled Acts and Regulations of Congress, along...
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.
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.
US Department of Labor
U.s. Department of Labor: Hall of Secretaries: Frances Perkins
The U.S. Department of Labor provides this brief biography of Cabinet member, Frances Perkins, who led reform efforts in the realm of labor law during the Great Depression. Short, biographical sketch with good, factual information being...
Other
Us Department of Labor: Jshq: Remembering Frances Perkins
A biography of Frances Perkins, Secretary of Labor under Franklin Roosevelt, from the Job Safety and Health Quarterly. A good description of her tireless work in improving working conditions in the United States. (Published Fall 2002)
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...
Cornell University
Cornell University: Law School: Unemployment Compensation Law
This page by the Legal Information Institute at Cornell University provides an overview of unemployment compensation law. Learn why unemployment law exists and what it guarantees.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: The New Deal
Describes the First and Second New Deal initiatives enacted under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.