HLSC 510
History of Homeland Security
HLSC 510
Liberty University
Abstract
The United States Constitution contains provisions to promote the general welfare and provide
for the common defense. As the country came out of the Revolutionary War, many politicians
believed the common defense and general welfare was a responsibility delegated to the State and
Local governments. As the country expanded its borders and military might, the likelihood of a
national emergency or natural disasters striking the United States became a more and more real
possibility. During times of war, the country was focused on being prepared for attacks from
foreign enemies, such was the case during the first and second World War. After WWII, more
and more threats exposed the US to potential attacks, which called for the country to be more
prepared. This movement morphed from a civil defense mentality to that of an all-hazard
protection for the federal government. This paper will provide a brief history of homeland
security from the crude, hands off approach at the beginning, to the creation of the Department of
Homeland Security signifying a centralized approach to emergency management.
History of Homeland Security
The Constitution of the United States does not give much direction in how the federal
government should respond to natural disasters or other emergencies. Some may point to the
General Welfare clause, or the Common Defense clause, for reasons why the federal government
should lend aid to states, while others will say it is the responsibility of the state and local
government. What is true today is that the federal government has become the leader in security
in the homeland and leaders in coordinating a response to natural disasters.
, Homeland Security from 1789 to WWII.
Coming out of the Revolutionary War, the federal government did little to assist states
experiencing disasters. From 1803 to 1947, the federal government responded to 128 disaster
events (Painter, 2020). Federal aid provided prior to the Civil War consisted of refunds on duties
paid, resettlement of destroyed lands, and allowing for delayed repayment of loans (Painter,
2020).
During this time, many supported federal government supporting emergency relief
pointing to the constitutions “general welfare” provision, but those who did not support this idea
believed it was the responsibility of the state and local governments arguing that disasters like
flooding are foreseeable and the state and local government should be prepared to handle the
consequences (Painter, 2020). Most assistance came from non-government organizations like the
Red Cross. The San Fransisco Earthquake in 1906 is a good example on how the federal
government viewed disaster response. The government did provide over 2.5 million dollars to the
Secretary of War, to provide food and supplies to the victims of the quake, in contrast to private
donations of 9 million dollars that was raised for earthquake victims (Painter, 2020).
Prior to WWI, government officials did not believe the United States was vulnerable to
an outside attack, but when the US entered WWI, the Council of National Defense was created.
Due to the feeling less vulnerable than other countries, the purpose of the Council of National
Defense was to gather resources and garner support from the public (Department of Homeland
Security, 2006).
In the1920s, the government did little to provide any civil defense or public aid. This
changed in the 1930s when activity in Europe raised concern over civil defense. As a result, in
1933, President Franklin Roosevelt revived civil defense efforts and created the National
History of Homeland Security
HLSC 510
Liberty University
Abstract
The United States Constitution contains provisions to promote the general welfare and provide
for the common defense. As the country came out of the Revolutionary War, many politicians
believed the common defense and general welfare was a responsibility delegated to the State and
Local governments. As the country expanded its borders and military might, the likelihood of a
national emergency or natural disasters striking the United States became a more and more real
possibility. During times of war, the country was focused on being prepared for attacks from
foreign enemies, such was the case during the first and second World War. After WWII, more
and more threats exposed the US to potential attacks, which called for the country to be more
prepared. This movement morphed from a civil defense mentality to that of an all-hazard
protection for the federal government. This paper will provide a brief history of homeland
security from the crude, hands off approach at the beginning, to the creation of the Department of
Homeland Security signifying a centralized approach to emergency management.
History of Homeland Security
The Constitution of the United States does not give much direction in how the federal
government should respond to natural disasters or other emergencies. Some may point to the
General Welfare clause, or the Common Defense clause, for reasons why the federal government
should lend aid to states, while others will say it is the responsibility of the state and local
government. What is true today is that the federal government has become the leader in security
in the homeland and leaders in coordinating a response to natural disasters.
, Homeland Security from 1789 to WWII.
Coming out of the Revolutionary War, the federal government did little to assist states
experiencing disasters. From 1803 to 1947, the federal government responded to 128 disaster
events (Painter, 2020). Federal aid provided prior to the Civil War consisted of refunds on duties
paid, resettlement of destroyed lands, and allowing for delayed repayment of loans (Painter,
2020).
During this time, many supported federal government supporting emergency relief
pointing to the constitutions “general welfare” provision, but those who did not support this idea
believed it was the responsibility of the state and local governments arguing that disasters like
flooding are foreseeable and the state and local government should be prepared to handle the
consequences (Painter, 2020). Most assistance came from non-government organizations like the
Red Cross. The San Fransisco Earthquake in 1906 is a good example on how the federal
government viewed disaster response. The government did provide over 2.5 million dollars to the
Secretary of War, to provide food and supplies to the victims of the quake, in contrast to private
donations of 9 million dollars that was raised for earthquake victims (Painter, 2020).
Prior to WWI, government officials did not believe the United States was vulnerable to
an outside attack, but when the US entered WWI, the Council of National Defense was created.
Due to the feeling less vulnerable than other countries, the purpose of the Council of National
Defense was to gather resources and garner support from the public (Department of Homeland
Security, 2006).
In the1920s, the government did little to provide any civil defense or public aid. This
changed in the 1930s when activity in Europe raised concern over civil defense. As a result, in
1933, President Franklin Roosevelt revived civil defense efforts and created the National
