A Bourgeois Duty: Philanthropy, 1896-1919  Next 5Conclusion
Introduction VIEW-3631 C572_A.07.54 MP-1978.107.52 M984.306.1419
M990.786.19.1-15 C572_A.06.581.1 X11891 II-174417   In today's
world of Medicare, pensions, unemployment insurance and social
assistance, it is hard to imagine a time not so long ago when
people had no protection against life's calamities. Indeed most
of these social programs date from the mid-20th century. Before
that, people faced with destitution depended on whatever charity
was available. Much of this help was provided by upper- or
middle-class citizens who donated money and/or organised
charities or associations to address social issues. This is what
we call philanthropy.  The range of philanthropic activity,
however, was not limited to charities; it included hospitals,
universities, museums and public health projects as well as
humanitarian and reform movements such as animal protection and
temperance. Philanthropy was important to the culture of the
urban elite and served as a wa