Federal Emergency Relief Administration

Definition

The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) was a New Deal agency established in 1933 to provide direct relief for the unemployed during the Great Depression. FERA aimed to alleviate the suffering caused by economic hardship through federal assistance, which marked a significant shift in the role of government in providing social welfare. The agency not only offered financial aid but also helped to foster employment through work relief programs, thereby expanding the federal government's involvement in social programs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FERA was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of his New Deal initiatives in response to the widespread unemployment during the Great Depression.
2. The agency provided grants to state governments to distribute cash payments to those in need, which helped stabilize local economies.
3. FERA laid the groundwork for future social welfare programs by expanding the federal government's role in providing direct assistance to citizens.
4. By employing over 20 million people through various work relief programs, FERA significantly contributed to the economic recovery during the 1930s.
5. FERA was eventually replaced by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1935, which continued and expanded on the relief efforts initiated by FERA.

Review Questions

• How did FERA represent a change in government policy regarding social welfare during the Great Depression?
  • FERA marked a significant transformation in government policy by actively engaging in providing direct relief to individuals affected by economic hardship. Prior to this, government assistance was limited and often left to local charities. With FERA, the federal government took a hands-on approach, recognizing its responsibility to support citizens during times of crisis. This shift set a precedent for future social welfare programs and expanded the scope of federal involvement in addressing poverty and unemployment.
• Discuss the impact of FERA on state-level relief efforts and its role in shaping future federal programs.
  • FERA had a profound impact on state-level relief efforts by providing financial assistance and resources that enabled states to address local needs more effectively. States received grants from FERA that allowed them to distribute cash aid and implement job creation initiatives. This collaboration between federal and state governments laid the groundwork for future programs, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts in managing social welfare and relief efforts across the nation.
• Evaluate how FERA's strategies influenced public perceptions of government responsibility for economic support and welfare during economic crises.
  • FERA's strategies significantly shifted public perceptions about the role of government in economic support and welfare. By actively providing financial aid and creating jobs, FERA fostered a sense of reliance on federal intervention during economic crises. This change in mindset led many citizens to expect governmental support in times of need, shaping long-term attitudes towards social welfare programs. The agency's initiatives also contributed to a growing belief that it was a government's responsibility to ensure citizens' well-being, paving the way for future legislation aimed at protecting vulnerable populations.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and policies designed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat the effects of the Great Depression and stimulate economic recovery.

Civilian Conservation Corps: A public work relief program established under the New Deal that provided jobs for young men to work on environmental projects such as reforestation and soil conservation.

Social Security Act: A landmark piece of legislation passed in 1935 that established a social insurance program, providing benefits for retirees, the unemployed, and disabled individuals.