Interpretations of Social Security during the Great Depression & New Deal

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
9 questions
~18 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores different interpretations of the Social Security reforms introduced during the New Deal period in America, focusing on contrasting historians' views.

Worksheet Preview

Full preview • 9 questions

Interpretations of Social Security during the Great Depression & New Deal

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
Name:
Date:
TeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizz

Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Interpretations of Social Security in the New Deal

Historian A: Michael Bernstein – Economic Perspective "Michael Bernstein argues that the Social Security Act was a crucial economic reform that helped stabilize the American economy by providing a safety net for the vulnerable. He emphasizes that Social Security reduced poverty among the elderly and contributed to economic recovery by increasing consumer confidence. Bernstein highlights that the reforms laid the groundwork for long-term economic stability and were essential in transforming American social policy. He views Social Security as a vital component of the New Deal's success in rebuilding the nation’s economic health."

Historian B: Eric Foner – Social Perspective "Eric Foner contends that Social Security was primarily a social reform aimed at addressing inequality and social justice. He argues that it helped reshape American society by providing dignity and security for the elderly and marginalized groups. Foner emphasizes that Social Security was part of a broader movement to promote social welfare and reduce disparities. He suggests that its significance lies in its role in fostering a more equitable society, rather than just economic recovery."

B

Questions

1.
Summarize the main argument of Historian A regarding Social Security.
[3 marks]
2.
Summarize the main argument of Historian B regarding Social Security.
[3 marks]
3.
Compare the perspectives of the two historians on the importance of Social Security.
[4 marks]
4.
Explain why the two historians' views differ on the significance of Social Security.
[6 marks]
5.
Evaluate which historian's interpretation you find more convincing and explain why.
[8 marks]
6.
Outline the key reasons why Social Security was introduced during the New Deal.
[3 marks]
7.
Compare how each historian views the impact of Social Security on American society.
[4 marks]
8.
Analyse the reasons why historians might focus on different aspects of Social Security's impact.
[6 marks]
9.
Write a brief conclusion on which interpretation you find more convincing and why.
[8 marks]

Quick Actions

What is Remix?

Create a new worksheet based on this one. Change the grade level, topic, number of questions, or difficulty - then generate a fresh version.

  • • Change grade level (Grade 6 → Grade 7)
  • • Swap topics (Harry Potter → Macbeth)
  • • Add more questions (10 → 15)
  • • Adjust difficulty

Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet