Works Cited
Primary Sources:
Bane, Frank. "A New American Reality." Social Security Bulletin 1.8 (1938): ssa.gov. Web. (This article is based in part on a speech delivered before the West Virginia Academy of Science on May 6, 1938.)
This essay by the first Social Security Board Executive Director (1935-1938) Frank Bane gave us a summary of the historical and philosophical circumstances which necessitated Social Security. It put forth a broader look at the conditions in America that preceded the social security program, and argued that the program both partially fit into and partially brought a shift in American sociopolitical ideology.
Crosby, Bing (perf.). Gorney, Jay (comp.). "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?". Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? (single). Brunswick Records, 1932. MP3.
We chose to use this song because it became immensely popular in America during the Great Depression and was iconic of the period. The song is now in the public domain and we accessed it through the Internet Archive (archive.org).
H.R. 7260, 74th Cong., ssa.gov (1935) (enacted). Online.
This is the Social Security Act in its final form, as signed into law on August 14, 1935. We read this at the very outset of our research and found it surprising in its simplicity. It provided us with a complete picture of what the program entailed.
McCarthy, Charles. The Wisconsin Idea. 1912. Wisconsin Electronic Reader. Web.
This book, available through an online collection of works relating to the UW Madison, was an excellent source on specific aspects of the Wisconsin Idea written at the height of the Progressive Era. The preface was written by Theodore Roosevelt, whom we quoted twice on the importance of the work that was being done at the UW.
Roosevelt, Franklin Delano. "Fireside Chat #7." Washington, D.C. April 28, 1935. address.
FDR's famous informal fireside chats brought the federal government right into the homes of average Americans, and endeavored to explain intricate issues of policy in common terms. It was a valuable source because it allowed us to witness exactly how Roosevelt went about pitching the idea of a federally-run social security program to the public, and what impressions people may have gotten about the measure as a result.
Senator Obama on Social Security. ABC News. 2007. Web. 24 Apr. 2013.
Clip used to bring present day relevance to Social Security, shows Obama's opinion on Social Security when he was a senator.
Smeeding, Tim. Personal interview. 16 Feb. 2013.
From this interview with a University of Wisconsin-Madison economist, we gleaned a more solid understanding of the specific economic functions of the SS program. We also learned more about the problems that the Social Security program currently faces, and different ideas for how to solve them.
"Social Security: Real Stories." Social Security Administration Online. 2010. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bgZgzUUHAg&list=UUNm7O9WmYwy_CuU7YEg8UOA&index=22>.
This video, created by the Social Security Administration Online, served as an excellent way to include first-hand testimony to the merits of the program, and to display the diversity of people who receive benefits.
Wisconsin State Historical Society. Edwin E Witte (1887-1960) Papers, (1905-1961); Wis, Mss, VP. N.d. 292 boxes including 8 volumes (reference aid). Wisconsin State Historical Society, Madison, WI.
Through this nearly 300-box collection of Witte's correspondences, research, essays, speeches, personal diaries and other documents in the Wisconsin Historical Society archives, we were led to many important sources, which are individually cited.
Witte, Edwin E. "The Changing Role of Labor, Management, and Government in the Quest for Security." Address. Conference on "The Quest for Security - 1955 Version" Wayne University, Detroit. 16 Nov. 1955. Print. Courtesy of UW Archives, Witte Biographical file.
Although we did not include much specific information on the changes made to the Social Security program over time due to word limitations, this document along with others provided information on how people's opinions about the program had evolved several years after it was first enacted. This source showed us how Witte's ideas continued to mature, and what new economic challenges began to crop up during the middle of the twentieth century.
Witte, Edwin E. "The Development of the Social Security Act". Courtesy of the Wisconsin State Historical Society.
This was one of the most important sources we accessed through the Witte Papers - a "confidential memorandum on the history of the CES and of the drafting & legislative history of the SSA, prepared for the Committee on Public Administration of the Social Science Research Council, July, 1936." We looked at both the manuscript and the final product. It vitally furthered our understanding of the exact process by which the SSA came into being, how it was changed over the legislative process, what role Witte played in it and what he was thinking and feeling at the time. We also used a quote from this source on our Social Security page, while talking about the opposition to the act.
Witte, John F. Personal interview. 3 Feb. 2013.
We were able to contact John Witte over skype to interview him. This was necessary because he is currently in Kazakhstan working on a project to develop their higher education system. This interview was very interesting and multi-dimensional because John Witte was not only Edwin's grandson, but also a UW professor himself, and extremely knowledgeable about social insurance and welfare policy even outside of the context of his relationship with Edwin, lending it more credibility as a source. From this interview we learned a great deal about Ed Witte's personal hobbies and his work habits. It also gave us information on Ed Witte's relationship with Secretary Francis Perkins, which brought about his appointment as Executive Director of the CES. Finally, it was particularly helpful in providing insight into Witte's unique and specific role in the development of the Act, like his ability to make compromises and his exceptional skill with writing legislation.
Images:
Black Depression Era Family. Digital image. Keepittrill.blogspot.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://keepittrill.blogspot.com/2008/07/sliding-into-rabbit-hole.html>.
Image used to direct viewers to 'Controversy and Compromise' page.
Bugs Fields Walker Evans Family. Digital image. About.com. About.com, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://useconomy.about.com/od/grossdomesticproduct/ig/Photos-of-Great-Depression/Depression-Family.htm>.
Image used in depression photo gallery (located on 'Historical Context' page).
Depression Family. Digital image. Stockpickssystem.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://bit.ly/13kUE3r>.
Image used in depression photo gallery.
Evicted Sharecroppers. Digital image. Shmoop,com. Shmoop, n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.shmoop.com/great-depression/photo-evicted-sharecroppers.html>.Photo of evicted Image of sharecroppers used on 'Controversy and Compromise' page.
FDR: For a New Deal. Digital image. Brittanica.com. Encyclopedia Brittanica, n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/media/72254/Franklin-D-Roosevelt-New-Deal-pin-1932>.
Image used to direct viewers to the 'Development of the Social Security Act' page.
Graph showing share of income on Social Security. Digital image. Dailykos.com. The Daily Kos, n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS517US517&biw=1024&bih=475&tbm=isch&tbnid=MDSzJ1_0Y7m-XM:&imgrefurl=http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/12/02/1165438/-No-raising-the-Social-Security-retirement-age-is-not-a-good-idea&docid=1y-XpeMOG825SM&imgurl=http://s3.amazonaws.com/dk-production/images/11056/large/Share_of_income_from_Social_Security_EPI.jpg%253F1354142046&w=550&h=339&ei=eVGKUZS_LPfi4APVkIDoDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:66,s:0,i:371&iact=rc&dur=978&page=6&tbnh=165&tbnw=268&&ndsp=13&tx=139&ty=52>.
Graph showing the impact of Social Security on 'Social Security Today' page.
Hoover's Tobacco Poor Fund, Little Boys. Digital image.Thegreatdepressionofthe1920s.weebly.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://thegreatdepressionofthe1920s.weebly.com/pictures-and-videos.html>.
Image of two little boys during the depression used on 'Great Depression' page.
Jobless Men Keep Going. Digital image. Cuny.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2013. <http://blsciblogs.baruch.cuny.edu/his1005spring2011/tag/great-depression/>.
Image used in depression photo gallery.
John R. Commons in Suit. 1895. Photograph. Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison. Wisconsin Historical Images. Web.
Image of Professor John Commons used on 'Witte's Personal History' page. According to the Historical Society's image database, this candid shot was taken at Syracuse University in New York, where Commons was employed before UW Madison.
John Q. Public Social Security Card. Digital image. Occasionalplanet.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.occasionalplanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Social-Security-a.jpg?3c9cfd>. Image of example Social Security card used on 'Implications & Endurance of Social Security' page.
Lange, Dorothea. Eyes of the Great Depression. Digital image. Loc.gov. Library of Congress, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8b38490>.
Image used in depression photo gallery.
Long line. Digital image. Oregonlive.com. Associated Press, 02 Oct. 2008. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://www.oregonlive.com/money/index.ssf/2008/10/great_depression_offers_lesson.html>.
Image used in depression photo gallery.
Maydans, Carl. Men on the Street. Digital image. Loc.gov. Library of Congress, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8a01759>.
Image used in depression photo gallery.
Men at Soup Kitchen. Digital image. Usahitman.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013.
<http://usahitman.com/gd-meals/>.
Image used in depression photo gallery.
Men on Road. Digital image. English.illinois.edu. University of Illinois English Department, n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/depression/depression.htm>.
Image used to direct viewers to 'Great Depression' page.
Migrant Agricultural Worker's Family. Digital image. Loc.gov. Library of Congress, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsca.03054/>.
Image used in depression photo gallery.
More Security For the American Family (poster). Digital image.Fdrlibrary.wordpress.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://fdrlibrary.wordpress.com/tag/social-security/>.
Image used to direct viewers to 'Social Security as a Turning Point' page.
Old Couple. Digital image. Blog.yandiel.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://blog.yanidel.com/category/lyric/page/4/>.
Image used to direct viewers to 'Social Security Today' page.
"Photo of Moravian Seal." Mizpahmoravianchurch.org. Mizpah Moravian Church, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2013. <http://www.mizpahmoravianchurch.org/images/moravian_seal.jpeg>.
Image of Moravain Seal used on 'Witte's Personal History' page.
Social Security legal advice graphic. Digital image. Good-legal-advice.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.good-legal-advice.com/social_security.htm>.
Image showing importance of Social Security on 'Social Security Today' page.
Soup Kitchen. Digital image. Archives.gov. National Archives, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/fdr-inaugural/>.
Image used on 'Historical Context' page'.
Sources of Income 65+. Digital image. Atlanticphilanthropies.org. The Atlantic Philanthropies, n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.atlanticphilanthropies.org/currents/it%E2%80%99s-time-protect-and-strengthen-social-security-not-undermine-it>.
Image showing sources of income for citizens over 65 used on 'Social Security Today' page.
SRDC. Social Security and Local Economies. Digital image. Minnesota.publicradio.org. Minnesota Public Radio, n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/ground-level/archive/2011/10/social-security-income.shtml>.
Image showing percentage of total income coming from Social Security used on 'Social Security Today' page.
SSA. Recession Has Hurt Social Security. Digital image. Cleveland.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.cleveland.com/nation/index.ssf/2010/08/political_posturing_dims_hope.html>.
Image showing the impact of the 2008 recession on Social Security used on 'Current Challenges' page.
Thwaites, Reuben Gold. Frederick Jackson Turner. 1892. Photograph. Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison. Image ID: 28393. Wisconsin Historical Images. Web.
Image of Professor Frederick Jackson Turner used on 'Witte's Personal History' page.
Tomorrow, Tom. "This Modern World." Comic strip. Barneymccoy.wordpress.com. http://barneymccoy.wordpress.com/2011/09/22/social-security-fixing-the-class-gap-2/
Comic satirizing the current attitude towards Social Security used on 'Current Challenges' page.
Unemployment Check. Digital image. Dailykos.com. Daily Kos, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/03/25/1168799/-The-Wisconsin-Idea>.
Image of the first unemployment check used on 'Implications and Endurance of Social Security' page.
United States Treasury. Digital image. Cbsnews.com. CBS, n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505146_162-57574455/are-americans-ready-to-fix-social-security/>.
Image used to direct viewers to 'Current Challenges' page.
Vinje, Arthur M. First Unemployment Check in Wisconsin. 1936. Photograph. Wisconsin Historical
Society, Madison. Image ID: 3491. Wisconsin Historical Images. Web.
Image of five men including Witte and Commons used on 'Father of Social Security' page.
Wisconsin Legislative Reference Library. 1922. Photograph. Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison. Wisconsin Historical Images. Image ID:4976. Wisconsin Historical Images. Web.
Image of Witte with the staff of the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Library used on 'Witte's Personal History' page.
Wisconsin State Capitol. McVicar, Angus B. 1928. Photograph. Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison. Wisconsin Historical Images. Image ID:6446. Wisconsin Historical Images. Web.
Image of the Wisconsin state capitol used on 'Wisconsin Idea' page.
<http://blogs.cas.suffolk.edu/history182/2013/03/21/question-2-the-great-depression-and-the-new-deal/>.
Image of Santa Ana Register stock crash headline used on "Historical Context" page.
<http://blog.heritage.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/new-deal-unemployment1.jpg>.
Image of Unemployment rate during the New Deal used on 'Historical Context' page.
http://franklinroosevelt.com/images/fdr_addressing_press.jpg
Image used on 'SSA of 1935' page.
http://www.tpscongress.org/cm-resources/social_security/images/12_cm_soc_sec_fdr.jpg
Image used on 'SSA of 1935' page.
<http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/aboutfdr/perkins.html>.
Image of President FDR and Secretary Perkins used on 'SSA of 1935' page.
<http://www.ssa.gov/history/pics/idamay5.jpg>.
Image of Ida May Fuller receiving a SS check used on 'SSA of 1935' page.
*Note: Images not individually cited are courtesy of the University of Wisconsin archives, or the Wisconsin State Historical Society
Secondary Sources:
Arthur, Altmeyer J. "The Wisconsin Idea and Social Security." Wisconsin Magazine of History 1958: 19. Wisconsinhistory.org. Web. 19 Jan. 2013.
This brief article provided us with an overview of the Wisconsin Idea - its origins, evolution over time, and various things it has been applied to. The author was also a UW alumni and the former Commissioner of Social Security.
Associated Press. "Witte Predicts Social Security Costs to Climb." Capital Times [Madison, WI] 19 Mar. 1938: 2. Print. Courtesy of UW Archives, Witte Biographical file.
In this article, found in Witte's Biographical file at the UW archives, we learned about the possible complications Witte saw with the act. The article was a newspaper clipping from 1938.
Cohen, Wilbur J., Ph.D. "Edwin E. Witte (1887-1960): Father of Social Security." Industrial and Labor Relations Review 14.1 (October, 1960): Copyright 1960 by Cornell University. Print. Courtesy of UW Archives, Witte Biographical file.
Written by a former student, fellow New Deal figure, and close friend of Witte's, this article provided information on Witte's personal character as well as details about his activities after he retired, and his death.
DeWitt, Larry. Research Note #8: The Special Role of the University of Wisconsin in the History of Social Security. July 2000. From 'Research Notes and Special Studies by the [SSA] Historian's Office.' ssa.gov/history/.
We accessed many primary source materials through the Social Security Administration's history-devoted website page. They had assembled a large number of speeches, essays, and photographs from the time of the passage of the act through the end of the century. This source was a fortuitous find, and adds to the roundness of Wisconsin's story.
Fanlund, Paul. "How the Social Security Issue Exemplifies the Politics of Deceit." The Cap Times [Madison] 20 Mar. 2012: 5. Print.
We found this source accidentally, in picking up the paper to read another article, but it was remarkably fitting. It opens with the line: "What would Edwin Witte think?", and briefly traces his history. Then, a social security expert is quoted extensively in the article - the same UW economist we ourselves interviewed.
Faragher, John Mack, Mari Jo Buhle, Daniel Czitrom, Susan Armitage. Out of Many: A History of the American People, 6th edition, AP*edition. Prentice Hall, 2011.
For insight into how the SSA fit into the New Deal as a whole and its role in the most pressing issues of the day, we turned to this source, the U.S. history textbook that accompanies the AP U.S. history course we both are taking presently. We knew it to be a reliable presenter of varied historical perspectives.
"Social Security: Just the Facts". National Academy of Social Insurance. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHAcy4SNVbo>.
This info-graphic style video, made by a private Social Security advocacy group, gave an excellent presentation of what Social Security actually does for the United States. By utilizing simple, straightforward statistics illustrated by graphs and other visual representations, this source provided us and viewers with a more specific idea of the program's functions today.
Kent, Alan E. "Nation's Economists Give Witte Their Highest Honor." Capitol Times [Madison, WI] 3 Jan. 1955: 5. Print. Courtesy of UW Archives, Witte Biographical file.
This article, written in 1955 and found in the UW Archives, outlined Witte's importance in American academia, and clued us in to his many connections across the nation and the world.
Knowles, William H. "Edwin Witte: Institutional Economist." Business Topics 3, (September, 1955): 18-21. Print.
This article was excerpted from a journal published by the Bureau of Business Research and the Michigan State University College of Business and Public Service. We found this journal in box 88, volume 8 of the Witte Papers at the Wisconsin Historical Society. It was among his personal mail correspondences and had been written on by him. This was a very valuable source as it summarized the ideas behind institutional economics as well as how Witte specifically interpreted and applied them.
Lapman, Robert J., ed. Economists at Wisconsin 1892-1992. Madison, WI: Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 1993. Print. Found in the reference section of the UW Archives.
This book was a compilation of all of the theses of the economics graduate students since 1882, in reading Witte's section we were able to understand better what experiences he brought to the Social Security Act as an economist.
McGrath, Hazel. "Witte's Retirement Brings up Stories of Generosity." Capitol Times [Madison, WI] 31 June 1957: 3B. Print. Courtesy of UW Archives, Witte Biographical file.
This Capital Times article which came out at Witte's retirement, spoke to his personal character; his generosity and dedication to his students as well as the welfare of the people of America.
Nelson, Cary. "About the Great Depression." About the Great Depression. University of Illinois, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2013. <http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/depression/about.htm>.
This handy online source gave a brief and concise overview of life during the Great Depression. It was compiled by an English Professor at the University of Illinois, most likely for class use. It provided us with base information (as well as images which we did not include) to give us better perspective on the Great Depression.
Schlabach, Theron F. Edwin E. Witte: Cautious Reformer. Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1969. Print. Found in UW Archives Reference section.
This biography was highly detailed and helpful, although we only utilized some specific parts of it. It gave information on the impact of his religious upbringing on his political outlook and career, as well as on his family life.
Taylor, Robert. "Social Security: It All Started Right Here." Wisconsin State Journal 15 Aug. 1975: 4-5. Print. Courtesy of UW Archives, Witte Biographical file.
This article provided information on both the drafting of the Social Security act in its process, and also its connection to the Wisconsin Idea, which was so important to Witte's outlook.
Witte, John F. "Wisconsin Ideas: The Continuing Role of the University in the State and Beyond." La Follette Policy Report 12.2 (2001): 5-8. Print. Courtesy of UW Archives, Witte Biographical file.
This blurb in the La Follette Policy report gave a good outline of the Wisconsin Idea and what it really meant to faculty of the UW as well as those who were effected by it.
Bane, Frank. "A New American Reality." Social Security Bulletin 1.8 (1938): ssa.gov. Web. (This article is based in part on a speech delivered before the West Virginia Academy of Science on May 6, 1938.)
This essay by the first Social Security Board Executive Director (1935-1938) Frank Bane gave us a summary of the historical and philosophical circumstances which necessitated Social Security. It put forth a broader look at the conditions in America that preceded the social security program, and argued that the program both partially fit into and partially brought a shift in American sociopolitical ideology.
Crosby, Bing (perf.). Gorney, Jay (comp.). "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?". Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? (single). Brunswick Records, 1932. MP3.
We chose to use this song because it became immensely popular in America during the Great Depression and was iconic of the period. The song is now in the public domain and we accessed it through the Internet Archive (archive.org).
H.R. 7260, 74th Cong., ssa.gov (1935) (enacted). Online.
This is the Social Security Act in its final form, as signed into law on August 14, 1935. We read this at the very outset of our research and found it surprising in its simplicity. It provided us with a complete picture of what the program entailed.
McCarthy, Charles. The Wisconsin Idea. 1912. Wisconsin Electronic Reader. Web.
This book, available through an online collection of works relating to the UW Madison, was an excellent source on specific aspects of the Wisconsin Idea written at the height of the Progressive Era. The preface was written by Theodore Roosevelt, whom we quoted twice on the importance of the work that was being done at the UW.
Roosevelt, Franklin Delano. "Fireside Chat #7." Washington, D.C. April 28, 1935. address.
FDR's famous informal fireside chats brought the federal government right into the homes of average Americans, and endeavored to explain intricate issues of policy in common terms. It was a valuable source because it allowed us to witness exactly how Roosevelt went about pitching the idea of a federally-run social security program to the public, and what impressions people may have gotten about the measure as a result.
Senator Obama on Social Security. ABC News. 2007. Web. 24 Apr. 2013.
Clip used to bring present day relevance to Social Security, shows Obama's opinion on Social Security when he was a senator.
Smeeding, Tim. Personal interview. 16 Feb. 2013.
From this interview with a University of Wisconsin-Madison economist, we gleaned a more solid understanding of the specific economic functions of the SS program. We also learned more about the problems that the Social Security program currently faces, and different ideas for how to solve them.
"Social Security: Real Stories." Social Security Administration Online. 2010. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bgZgzUUHAg&list=UUNm7O9WmYwy_CuU7YEg8UOA&index=22>.
This video, created by the Social Security Administration Online, served as an excellent way to include first-hand testimony to the merits of the program, and to display the diversity of people who receive benefits.
Wisconsin State Historical Society. Edwin E Witte (1887-1960) Papers, (1905-1961); Wis, Mss, VP. N.d. 292 boxes including 8 volumes (reference aid). Wisconsin State Historical Society, Madison, WI.
Through this nearly 300-box collection of Witte's correspondences, research, essays, speeches, personal diaries and other documents in the Wisconsin Historical Society archives, we were led to many important sources, which are individually cited.
Witte, Edwin E. "The Changing Role of Labor, Management, and Government in the Quest for Security." Address. Conference on "The Quest for Security - 1955 Version" Wayne University, Detroit. 16 Nov. 1955. Print. Courtesy of UW Archives, Witte Biographical file.
Although we did not include much specific information on the changes made to the Social Security program over time due to word limitations, this document along with others provided information on how people's opinions about the program had evolved several years after it was first enacted. This source showed us how Witte's ideas continued to mature, and what new economic challenges began to crop up during the middle of the twentieth century.
Witte, Edwin E. "The Development of the Social Security Act". Courtesy of the Wisconsin State Historical Society.
This was one of the most important sources we accessed through the Witte Papers - a "confidential memorandum on the history of the CES and of the drafting & legislative history of the SSA, prepared for the Committee on Public Administration of the Social Science Research Council, July, 1936." We looked at both the manuscript and the final product. It vitally furthered our understanding of the exact process by which the SSA came into being, how it was changed over the legislative process, what role Witte played in it and what he was thinking and feeling at the time. We also used a quote from this source on our Social Security page, while talking about the opposition to the act.
Witte, John F. Personal interview. 3 Feb. 2013.
We were able to contact John Witte over skype to interview him. This was necessary because he is currently in Kazakhstan working on a project to develop their higher education system. This interview was very interesting and multi-dimensional because John Witte was not only Edwin's grandson, but also a UW professor himself, and extremely knowledgeable about social insurance and welfare policy even outside of the context of his relationship with Edwin, lending it more credibility as a source. From this interview we learned a great deal about Ed Witte's personal hobbies and his work habits. It also gave us information on Ed Witte's relationship with Secretary Francis Perkins, which brought about his appointment as Executive Director of the CES. Finally, it was particularly helpful in providing insight into Witte's unique and specific role in the development of the Act, like his ability to make compromises and his exceptional skill with writing legislation.
Images:
Black Depression Era Family. Digital image. Keepittrill.blogspot.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://keepittrill.blogspot.com/2008/07/sliding-into-rabbit-hole.html>.
Image used to direct viewers to 'Controversy and Compromise' page.
Bugs Fields Walker Evans Family. Digital image. About.com. About.com, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://useconomy.about.com/od/grossdomesticproduct/ig/Photos-of-Great-Depression/Depression-Family.htm>.
Image used in depression photo gallery (located on 'Historical Context' page).
Depression Family. Digital image. Stockpickssystem.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://bit.ly/13kUE3r>.
Image used in depression photo gallery.
Evicted Sharecroppers. Digital image. Shmoop,com. Shmoop, n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.shmoop.com/great-depression/photo-evicted-sharecroppers.html>.Photo of evicted Image of sharecroppers used on 'Controversy and Compromise' page.
FDR: For a New Deal. Digital image. Brittanica.com. Encyclopedia Brittanica, n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/media/72254/Franklin-D-Roosevelt-New-Deal-pin-1932>.
Image used to direct viewers to the 'Development of the Social Security Act' page.
Graph showing share of income on Social Security. Digital image. Dailykos.com. The Daily Kos, n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS517US517&biw=1024&bih=475&tbm=isch&tbnid=MDSzJ1_0Y7m-XM:&imgrefurl=http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/12/02/1165438/-No-raising-the-Social-Security-retirement-age-is-not-a-good-idea&docid=1y-XpeMOG825SM&imgurl=http://s3.amazonaws.com/dk-production/images/11056/large/Share_of_income_from_Social_Security_EPI.jpg%253F1354142046&w=550&h=339&ei=eVGKUZS_LPfi4APVkIDoDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:66,s:0,i:371&iact=rc&dur=978&page=6&tbnh=165&tbnw=268&&ndsp=13&tx=139&ty=52>.
Graph showing the impact of Social Security on 'Social Security Today' page.
Hoover's Tobacco Poor Fund, Little Boys. Digital image.Thegreatdepressionofthe1920s.weebly.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://thegreatdepressionofthe1920s.weebly.com/pictures-and-videos.html>.
Image of two little boys during the depression used on 'Great Depression' page.
Jobless Men Keep Going. Digital image. Cuny.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2013. <http://blsciblogs.baruch.cuny.edu/his1005spring2011/tag/great-depression/>.
Image used in depression photo gallery.
John R. Commons in Suit. 1895. Photograph. Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison. Wisconsin Historical Images. Web.
Image of Professor John Commons used on 'Witte's Personal History' page. According to the Historical Society's image database, this candid shot was taken at Syracuse University in New York, where Commons was employed before UW Madison.
John Q. Public Social Security Card. Digital image. Occasionalplanet.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.occasionalplanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Social-Security-a.jpg?3c9cfd>. Image of example Social Security card used on 'Implications & Endurance of Social Security' page.
Lange, Dorothea. Eyes of the Great Depression. Digital image. Loc.gov. Library of Congress, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8b38490>.
Image used in depression photo gallery.
Long line. Digital image. Oregonlive.com. Associated Press, 02 Oct. 2008. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://www.oregonlive.com/money/index.ssf/2008/10/great_depression_offers_lesson.html>.
Image used in depression photo gallery.
Maydans, Carl. Men on the Street. Digital image. Loc.gov. Library of Congress, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8a01759>.
Image used in depression photo gallery.
Men at Soup Kitchen. Digital image. Usahitman.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013.
<http://usahitman.com/gd-meals/>.
Image used in depression photo gallery.
Men on Road. Digital image. English.illinois.edu. University of Illinois English Department, n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/depression/depression.htm>.
Image used to direct viewers to 'Great Depression' page.
Migrant Agricultural Worker's Family. Digital image. Loc.gov. Library of Congress, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsca.03054/>.
Image used in depression photo gallery.
More Security For the American Family (poster). Digital image.Fdrlibrary.wordpress.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://fdrlibrary.wordpress.com/tag/social-security/>.
Image used to direct viewers to 'Social Security as a Turning Point' page.
Old Couple. Digital image. Blog.yandiel.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://blog.yanidel.com/category/lyric/page/4/>.
Image used to direct viewers to 'Social Security Today' page.
"Photo of Moravian Seal." Mizpahmoravianchurch.org. Mizpah Moravian Church, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2013. <http://www.mizpahmoravianchurch.org/images/moravian_seal.jpeg>.
Image of Moravain Seal used on 'Witte's Personal History' page.
Social Security legal advice graphic. Digital image. Good-legal-advice.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.good-legal-advice.com/social_security.htm>.
Image showing importance of Social Security on 'Social Security Today' page.
Soup Kitchen. Digital image. Archives.gov. National Archives, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/fdr-inaugural/>.
Image used on 'Historical Context' page'.
Sources of Income 65+. Digital image. Atlanticphilanthropies.org. The Atlantic Philanthropies, n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.atlanticphilanthropies.org/currents/it%E2%80%99s-time-protect-and-strengthen-social-security-not-undermine-it>.
Image showing sources of income for citizens over 65 used on 'Social Security Today' page.
SRDC. Social Security and Local Economies. Digital image. Minnesota.publicradio.org. Minnesota Public Radio, n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/ground-level/archive/2011/10/social-security-income.shtml>.
Image showing percentage of total income coming from Social Security used on 'Social Security Today' page.
SSA. Recession Has Hurt Social Security. Digital image. Cleveland.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.cleveland.com/nation/index.ssf/2010/08/political_posturing_dims_hope.html>.
Image showing the impact of the 2008 recession on Social Security used on 'Current Challenges' page.
Thwaites, Reuben Gold. Frederick Jackson Turner. 1892. Photograph. Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison. Image ID: 28393. Wisconsin Historical Images. Web.
Image of Professor Frederick Jackson Turner used on 'Witte's Personal History' page.
Tomorrow, Tom. "This Modern World." Comic strip. Barneymccoy.wordpress.com. http://barneymccoy.wordpress.com/2011/09/22/social-security-fixing-the-class-gap-2/
Comic satirizing the current attitude towards Social Security used on 'Current Challenges' page.
Unemployment Check. Digital image. Dailykos.com. Daily Kos, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/03/25/1168799/-The-Wisconsin-Idea>.
Image of the first unemployment check used on 'Implications and Endurance of Social Security' page.
United States Treasury. Digital image. Cbsnews.com. CBS, n.d. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505146_162-57574455/are-americans-ready-to-fix-social-security/>.
Image used to direct viewers to 'Current Challenges' page.
Vinje, Arthur M. First Unemployment Check in Wisconsin. 1936. Photograph. Wisconsin Historical
Society, Madison. Image ID: 3491. Wisconsin Historical Images. Web.
Image of five men including Witte and Commons used on 'Father of Social Security' page.
Wisconsin Legislative Reference Library. 1922. Photograph. Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison. Wisconsin Historical Images. Image ID:4976. Wisconsin Historical Images. Web.
Image of Witte with the staff of the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Library used on 'Witte's Personal History' page.
Wisconsin State Capitol. McVicar, Angus B. 1928. Photograph. Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison. Wisconsin Historical Images. Image ID:6446. Wisconsin Historical Images. Web.
Image of the Wisconsin state capitol used on 'Wisconsin Idea' page.
<http://blogs.cas.suffolk.edu/history182/2013/03/21/question-2-the-great-depression-and-the-new-deal/>.
Image of Santa Ana Register stock crash headline used on "Historical Context" page.
<http://blog.heritage.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/new-deal-unemployment1.jpg>.
Image of Unemployment rate during the New Deal used on 'Historical Context' page.
- http://www.archives.com/genealogy/images/stock_market_crash_tyrone.png
- http://mugsysrapsheet.com/4blog/Headline-1929_Full_page.jpg
- http://www.thedailysheeple.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/wall-street-lays-an-egg-1929-stock-market-crash.jpg
- http://shtfplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/billions-lost-1929.jpg
- http://symonsez.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/brooklyncrash.gif?w=426
- http://wtf.thebizzare.com/images/wall-street-crash.jpg
- http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/4ed6823eecad04354900000e-900/but-come-november-newspapers-started-foreshadowing-the-gloom-and-doom-of-the-next-12-years.jpg
- http://www.corbisimages.com/images/Corbis-PL9401.jpg?size=67&uid=24166730-8558-4032-a78f-4c6599ade0c1
- http://mitchellarchives.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/stock-market-crash-hf.jpg
http://franklinroosevelt.com/images/fdr_addressing_press.jpg
Image used on 'SSA of 1935' page.
http://www.tpscongress.org/cm-resources/social_security/images/12_cm_soc_sec_fdr.jpg
Image used on 'SSA of 1935' page.
<http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/aboutfdr/perkins.html>.
Image of President FDR and Secretary Perkins used on 'SSA of 1935' page.
<http://www.ssa.gov/history/pics/idamay5.jpg>.
Image of Ida May Fuller receiving a SS check used on 'SSA of 1935' page.
*Note: Images not individually cited are courtesy of the University of Wisconsin archives, or the Wisconsin State Historical Society
Secondary Sources:
Arthur, Altmeyer J. "The Wisconsin Idea and Social Security." Wisconsin Magazine of History 1958: 19. Wisconsinhistory.org. Web. 19 Jan. 2013.
This brief article provided us with an overview of the Wisconsin Idea - its origins, evolution over time, and various things it has been applied to. The author was also a UW alumni and the former Commissioner of Social Security.
Associated Press. "Witte Predicts Social Security Costs to Climb." Capital Times [Madison, WI] 19 Mar. 1938: 2. Print. Courtesy of UW Archives, Witte Biographical file.
In this article, found in Witte's Biographical file at the UW archives, we learned about the possible complications Witte saw with the act. The article was a newspaper clipping from 1938.
Cohen, Wilbur J., Ph.D. "Edwin E. Witte (1887-1960): Father of Social Security." Industrial and Labor Relations Review 14.1 (October, 1960): Copyright 1960 by Cornell University. Print. Courtesy of UW Archives, Witte Biographical file.
Written by a former student, fellow New Deal figure, and close friend of Witte's, this article provided information on Witte's personal character as well as details about his activities after he retired, and his death.
DeWitt, Larry. Research Note #8: The Special Role of the University of Wisconsin in the History of Social Security. July 2000. From 'Research Notes and Special Studies by the [SSA] Historian's Office.' ssa.gov/history/.
We accessed many primary source materials through the Social Security Administration's history-devoted website page. They had assembled a large number of speeches, essays, and photographs from the time of the passage of the act through the end of the century. This source was a fortuitous find, and adds to the roundness of Wisconsin's story.
Fanlund, Paul. "How the Social Security Issue Exemplifies the Politics of Deceit." The Cap Times [Madison] 20 Mar. 2012: 5. Print.
We found this source accidentally, in picking up the paper to read another article, but it was remarkably fitting. It opens with the line: "What would Edwin Witte think?", and briefly traces his history. Then, a social security expert is quoted extensively in the article - the same UW economist we ourselves interviewed.
Faragher, John Mack, Mari Jo Buhle, Daniel Czitrom, Susan Armitage. Out of Many: A History of the American People, 6th edition, AP*edition. Prentice Hall, 2011.
For insight into how the SSA fit into the New Deal as a whole and its role in the most pressing issues of the day, we turned to this source, the U.S. history textbook that accompanies the AP U.S. history course we both are taking presently. We knew it to be a reliable presenter of varied historical perspectives.
"Social Security: Just the Facts". National Academy of Social Insurance. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHAcy4SNVbo>.
This info-graphic style video, made by a private Social Security advocacy group, gave an excellent presentation of what Social Security actually does for the United States. By utilizing simple, straightforward statistics illustrated by graphs and other visual representations, this source provided us and viewers with a more specific idea of the program's functions today.
Kent, Alan E. "Nation's Economists Give Witte Their Highest Honor." Capitol Times [Madison, WI] 3 Jan. 1955: 5. Print. Courtesy of UW Archives, Witte Biographical file.
This article, written in 1955 and found in the UW Archives, outlined Witte's importance in American academia, and clued us in to his many connections across the nation and the world.
Knowles, William H. "Edwin Witte: Institutional Economist." Business Topics 3, (September, 1955): 18-21. Print.
This article was excerpted from a journal published by the Bureau of Business Research and the Michigan State University College of Business and Public Service. We found this journal in box 88, volume 8 of the Witte Papers at the Wisconsin Historical Society. It was among his personal mail correspondences and had been written on by him. This was a very valuable source as it summarized the ideas behind institutional economics as well as how Witte specifically interpreted and applied them.
Lapman, Robert J., ed. Economists at Wisconsin 1892-1992. Madison, WI: Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 1993. Print. Found in the reference section of the UW Archives.
This book was a compilation of all of the theses of the economics graduate students since 1882, in reading Witte's section we were able to understand better what experiences he brought to the Social Security Act as an economist.
McGrath, Hazel. "Witte's Retirement Brings up Stories of Generosity." Capitol Times [Madison, WI] 31 June 1957: 3B. Print. Courtesy of UW Archives, Witte Biographical file.
This Capital Times article which came out at Witte's retirement, spoke to his personal character; his generosity and dedication to his students as well as the welfare of the people of America.
Nelson, Cary. "About the Great Depression." About the Great Depression. University of Illinois, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2013. <http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/depression/about.htm>.
This handy online source gave a brief and concise overview of life during the Great Depression. It was compiled by an English Professor at the University of Illinois, most likely for class use. It provided us with base information (as well as images which we did not include) to give us better perspective on the Great Depression.
Schlabach, Theron F. Edwin E. Witte: Cautious Reformer. Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1969. Print. Found in UW Archives Reference section.
This biography was highly detailed and helpful, although we only utilized some specific parts of it. It gave information on the impact of his religious upbringing on his political outlook and career, as well as on his family life.
Taylor, Robert. "Social Security: It All Started Right Here." Wisconsin State Journal 15 Aug. 1975: 4-5. Print. Courtesy of UW Archives, Witte Biographical file.
This article provided information on both the drafting of the Social Security act in its process, and also its connection to the Wisconsin Idea, which was so important to Witte's outlook.
Witte, John F. "Wisconsin Ideas: The Continuing Role of the University in the State and Beyond." La Follette Policy Report 12.2 (2001): 5-8. Print. Courtesy of UW Archives, Witte Biographical file.
This blurb in the La Follette Policy report gave a good outline of the Wisconsin Idea and what it really meant to faculty of the UW as well as those who were effected by it.