This history takes a decade-by-decade look at literacy education in the United States in the twentieth century. For each decade, the prevailing social climate, available statistics, legislation, programs, professional activities, methods, and materials related to adult basic education are considered. Concern for adult literacy programs was very low at the beginning of the century. During the succeeding decades, interest waxed and waned in response to "crises," without stimulating a sustained literacy program. Not until the sixties, when the federal government became actively involved, did legislation backed with financial support lead to extensive programs and sustained new approaches. (AA)