Fiscal-Military State and Veterans’ Welfare

These flashcards cover key concepts, legislation, and historical events related to the fiscal-military state and veterans’ welfare in the U.S.

Fiscal-Military State

A concept describing governments that built strong taxation and financial systems to support large standing armies.

Warfare-Welfare Nexus

The idea that military needs and social welfare programs often grow together.

Logic of Shared Sacrifice

A principle claiming that citizens must share burdens fairly during national crises.

Sheppard–Towner Maternity and Infancy Act (1921)

The first major U.S. federal welfare program, funding maternal and infant health services.

Militia Act of 1792

Legislation requiring able-bodied white male citizens to enroll in local militias.

Poll Taxes

Fees required to vote, historically used to disenfranchise poor Americans.

Army Reorganization Act of 1866

A law restructuring the U.S. Army, expanding peacetime troop numbers.

Selective Service Act of 1940

The first peacetime draft in U.S. history, requiring men to register for military service.

Executive Order 9981 (1948)

The order desegregating the U.S. armed forces, marking a major step in civil rights history.

Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793

A deadly outbreak that influenced military medicine and public health systems.

Humoral Theory

A pre-modern belief that health depended on balancing four bodily humors.

1818 Pension Act

U.S. law granting pensions to financially needy Revolutionary War veterans.

Bonus Expeditionary Force (1932)

A group of WWI veterans demanding early payment of promised bonuses.

Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 (GI Bill)

A law providing WWII veterans with education and housing benefits.

Title 38 of the U.S. Code

The section of U.S. federal law governing veterans’ benefits.

U.S. Pension Bureau

A federal agency managing veterans’ pension claims established in the 19th century.

General Law Pension Act of 1862

Legislation granting pensions to Union soldiers injured during the Civil War.

1879 Arrears Act

A law allowing Civil War veterans to receive back payments for pensions.

Pension Claims Agents

Individuals who helped veterans file pension claims, often criticized for exploitation.

Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)

A powerful Union veterans’ organization advocating for pensions and legislation.

1890 Pension Act

A law that granted pensions to virtually any Union veteran unable to perform manual labor.

Base Realignment and Closures (BRAC)

A process to close or reorganize military bases to reduce costs.

Philadelphia Naval Shipyard

One of the earliest U.S. naval shipyards, studied for its role in military infrastructure.

National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers

Facilities established to house disabled Union veterans post-Civil War.

Veterans Bureau (1921–1930)

A federal agency created to manage WWI veterans’ benefits.

Executive Order 5398 (1930)

An order merging several veterans’ agencies into a single Veterans Administration.

Harold Russell

A WWII veteran and symbol of challenges faced by disabled veterans.

Types of Veterans’ Benefits

Includes various programs aimed at reintegration, financial security, and service recognition.

Military Medicine

Medical practices and systems designed to support soldiers and innovate trauma care.

Nature of War – Creative or Destructive?

A debate on whether war mainly causes destruction or also spurs change and innovation.

Veteran’s Experience – The Best Years of Our Lives

A film highlighting issues faced by WWII veterans returning home.

Problems with Veterans’ Health Care

Common issues include long wait times and claims backlogs.

The Black Experience in the U.S. Military

Covers African Americans’ service despite discrimination and ongoing challenges.