The Quicksands of The Poor Law: Poor Relief Legislation in a Growing Nation, 1790-1820

This article reviews the development of poor relief laws from 1790 to 1820. The scope of the article will survey the laws affecting the poor people developed by the states as they joined the union and by the federal government. The author also sketches out common themes that developed through the legislation during this time period Moreover, the articles tracks the influence of English poor laws and early legislative experiences in this area of the law.