Works Progress Administration

Definition

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a New Deal agency created in 1935 to provide job relief during the Great Depression. It aimed to create jobs for unemployed Americans by funding public works projects, which included building roads, bridges, schools, and parks. The WPA not only aimed to alleviate unemployment but also sought to improve the nation's infrastructure and cultural landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The WPA employed millions of Americans, providing jobs for over 8 million people from its inception until its disbandment in 1943.
2. Projects funded by the WPA included significant infrastructure developments, such as the construction of the Hoover Dam and thousands of miles of roads and bridges.
3. The WPA also supported various cultural initiatives, creating opportunities for artists, writers, musicians, and actors to work on creative projects.
4. It was one of the largest and most ambitious government programs aimed at providing employment in American history, helping to alleviate the economic hardships of the Great Depression.
5. The WPA faced criticism for its spending and management practices but is often credited with leaving a lasting legacy in American infrastructure and arts.

Review Questions

• How did the Works Progress Administration contribute to addressing unemployment during the Great Depression?
  • The Works Progress Administration played a crucial role in reducing unemployment during the Great Depression by creating millions of jobs through various public works projects. It employed over 8 million individuals by funding construction activities such as roads, bridges, schools, and parks. This not only provided immediate financial relief to struggling families but also helped stimulate economic recovery by improving the nation’s infrastructure.
• Discuss the impact of the WPA's cultural programs on American society during its operation.
  • The WPA's cultural programs had a profound impact on American society by promoting arts and culture during a time of economic hardship. Through initiatives like the Federal Art Project, the WPA funded artists, writers, musicians, and actors to create public art and performances. This not only enriched community life but also fostered a sense of national identity and pride through shared cultural experiences.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Works Progress Administration on American infrastructure and culture.
  • The long-term effects of the Works Progress Administration on American infrastructure are evident in many of the structures built during its operation that are still in use today, such as schools, parks, and roads. Moreover, it left a legacy in American culture by providing platforms for artistic expression that influenced future generations. The commitment to public art has shaped how communities engage with art today, highlighting the importance of government support for cultural initiatives in fostering creativity and community development.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aiming to provide relief, recovery, and reform.

Public Works Administration: Another New Deal agency established in 1933 that focused on large-scale public works construction projects to stimulate the economy and provide jobs.

Federal Art Project: A division of the WPA that funded artists to create public art, including murals, sculptures, and performances, promoting cultural enrichment during the Great Depression.