Abstract
Looking at the definition quoted by G.Esping-Andersden, the Welfare State seems to be a really simple thing: "it involves state responsibility for securing some basic modicum of welfare for citizens". However, the welfare state corresponds to numerous realities across the world. The welfare state developed first in Europe. Indeed, in the 19th century Europe was the economic and political leader in the world. European countries were modern states which had to diffuse their model of nation-state providing public education, health and social security to citizens, through the whole world and mainly beside the United States. The model that these states promoted was not unique at that time even if it had some common origins.
The modern Welfare State knew its take-off in the late 19th century. More precisely while Italy and Germany were unifying. In Europe, the 19th century was the one of industrialism, mass democracy; culmination of the European nation-state, population and economic growth, and therefore the first development of social insurance in Europe was a real success.
