Poverty Throughout History

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In the early days of America, poverty was far different than it is today. Many people were able to create a decent life on their own through skills passed down and adaptability. Many more found a decent life in community. But for some, there was no choice in the condition of their existence.

As slavery was abolished, those who wanted it to remain found new ways to enforce their will. While many found a path out of poverty and a road to freedom, many people still had an uphill battle against the elite who wished to keep their claim. In this time, it became apparent that poor was not synonymous with a single race and that laws meant to keep one race down discreetly could cause sweeping damage based on the class hierarchy that had been part of America since the early days. This unity in poverty led to the first labor unions and the fight for fair work conditions.

Throughout history, progress has been made in waves. As a rush of good legislation pours in, lifting people from poverty and reducing discrimination, it is almost always followed by the flow of business and corporate interests seeking to regain their profit margins at the expense of the people. Despite the immense and immeasurable efforts of our ancestors, despite the incredible endeavors to eradicate poverty, against all odds it has persisted, evolving with every new attempt to destroy it once and for all.