Final answer:
When evaluating the success of government relief programs in providing immediate assistance, the New Deal programs like CCC and WPA during the Great Depression, the Great Society programs of the 1960s, and the G.I. Bill post WWII stand out as particularly effective compared to others like Herbert Hoover's attempts, though each had varying degrees of impact and scope.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assessment of Various Government Relief Programs
In evaluating the effectiveness of government relief programs at helping people immediately, several historical initiatives stand out. During the New Deal, programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) provided jobs and income to millions during the Great Depression. President John F. Kennedy's administration saw the development of programs like the Peace Corps, which offered opportunities for Americans to assist in foreign countries and addressed global poverty. Additionally, President Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs, aimed at eliminating poverty and social injustice within the United States, created lasting impacts on healthcare with Medicare and Medicaid and on education through initiatives like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
President Herbert Hoover, often criticized for his handling of the Great Depression, did attempt federal relief through the Emergency Relief Act of 1932, providing loans for direct relief and public works projects. However, the scale of relief was much smaller than subsequent programs. Post World War II, the G.I. Bill significantly aided veterans offering education, training, and housing benefits. This act played a crucial role in shaping the post-war economy and society. Lastly, the transition from the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in 1996 marked a shift in welfare policy, emphasizing short-term assistance and work opportunities.