Existing comment:
Disaster Assistance
Prior to the middle of the 19th century, the US government provided only occasional disaster relief. But after the Civil War, the Army, with its nation-wide presence; stockpiles of rations, clothing, and tents; and a chain of command that could react quickly to crisis, began providing disaster relief. Between 1868 and 1898, it provided some form of relief in 14 or more disasters, setting a precedent for assistance that continues today. |