Author:
Hopkins, June, 1940-
Imprint:New York : St. Martin's Press, 1999.
Descriptionx, 271 p., [6] p. of plates : ill. ; 25 cm.
Bibliography Note:Includes bibliographical references (p. [251]-266) and index.
Note:"Written by Harry Hopkins's granddaughter, this book is a valuable addition to the growing literature about Franklin Roosevelt's controversial relief administrator. The author argues convincingly that Hopkins was one of the most important contributors to the founding of the modern welfare state. The Great Depression confirmed his belief that a rationally planned, permanent public works program, along with federal aid for poor women with dependent children, should be the centerpieces of a plan for economic security. Nevertheless, his goals were not realized. A permanent jobs assurance program was never adopted, nor was Hopkins's particular plan for aid to dependent children. The author believes, however, that the programs for which Hopkins campaigned did establish the principle of federal responsibility for the welfare of Americans. Although she gives brief attention to the CWA, FERA, and the WPA, she focuses on Hopkins's plan for aid to dependent children and how it influenced the drafting of Title IV of the Social Security Act, and this is where she breaks new ground. The author bases her study mainly on primary documents as well as all the pertinent secondary sources. For additional reading, see George McJimsey's Harry Hopkins: Ally of the Poor and Defender of Democracy (CH, Sep'87)." - Choice review
Note:Recommended in Best Books for Academic Libraries
