The factor that contributed to the rise of a welfare state in the United States was because Americans received direct benefits from the federal government during the depression. Welfare is the health, happiness, or fortune of someone or a group of people. The great depression was a time when the stock market crashed and all of the people lost their money, and they didn't know what to do with all the things they have to pay. Because the United States government gave the American citizens benefits during the great depression, the citizens became more happy because they got support from the government during a rough time. The government helped them with living expenses, health, and financial assistance.