The transformation from rural and agricultural societies to urban and industrial economies during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries profoundly influenced the development of social welfare systems in both the United States and Canada. Industrialization brought rapid economic growth, urban expansion, technological innovation, and increased employment opportunities. At the same time, it created severe social problems such as poverty, unemployment, overcrowded housing, poor sanitation, child labour, industrial accidents, and unequal access to education and healthcare. These challenges highlighted the need for organized social welfare measures and laid the foundation for the professional development of social work. In the United States, the Industrial Revolution attracted millions of immigrants and rural populations to rapidly growing cities. Urban centres experienced overcrowding, slums, disease outbreaks, and widespread exploitation of workers. Traditional forms of family and community support weakened as people moved away from rural communities. The inability of private charity and religious organizations to address the growing scale of social problems led to the emergence of organized social welfare initiatives. One of the earliest responses was the Charity Organization Society (COS) movement, which emphasized scientific charity, casework, and coordination among charitable agencies. The COS sought to distinguish the deserving poor from the undeserving poor and promoted individualized assistance. At the same time, the Settlement House Movement, led by reformers such as Jane Addams through Hull House in Chicago,