Federal Emergency Relief Administration

Definition

The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) was a New Deal agency created in 1933 to provide direct relief for the unemployed and their families during the Great Depression. It aimed to alleviate poverty by providing federal funds to state and local agencies, which distributed assistance in the form of cash payments, food, and jobs. FERA marked a significant shift in government policy, moving towards direct intervention to help citizens affected by the economic crisis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FERA was established as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's broader New Deal initiative to address the immediate needs of those suffering from the economic collapse.
2. The administration provided over $3 billion in federal funds to states for relief efforts between 1933 and 1935.
3. FERA not only provided cash assistance but also emphasized the importance of work relief by funding job creation programs.
4. The agency helped lay the groundwork for subsequent New Deal programs that focused on job creation and economic recovery.
5. FERA was eventually replaced by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1935, which expanded on its initiatives and provided even more employment opportunities.

Review Questions

• How did FERA contribute to the immediate relief efforts during the Great Depression, and what were its main goals?
  • FERA played a crucial role in providing immediate relief during the Great Depression by distributing federal funds to state and local governments for direct assistance. Its main goals were to alleviate poverty among the unemployed and their families, ensuring they had access to basic needs such as food, cash payments, and job opportunities. By focusing on direct intervention, FERA helped address the urgent needs of millions affected by the economic crisis.
• In what ways did FERA set the stage for future New Deal programs like the Works Progress Administration?
  • FERA laid important groundwork for future New Deal programs by emphasizing direct relief while also promoting work relief initiatives. Its model of funding state-level relief efforts informed subsequent agencies like the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which expanded on FERA's approach by focusing heavily on job creation through public works projects. This shift towards work-oriented relief represented a significant evolution in how the government addressed unemployment during the Great Depression.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of FERA on American social welfare policy and its role in shaping modern governmental responses to economic crises.
  • The long-term impacts of FERA on American social welfare policy are significant, as it marked a pivotal shift towards a more proactive government role in addressing economic hardship. FERA established precedents for federal involvement in social welfare, influencing future policies that recognized the government's responsibility to support its citizens during crises. This foundational change has shaped how modern governments respond to economic downturns, leading to ongoing discussions about welfare programs and economic safety nets that continue to resonate in contemporary policy debates.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression.

Public Works Administration: A New Deal agency responsible for large-scale public works construction projects to create jobs and stimulate economic recovery.

Civilian Conservation Corps: A New Deal program that employed young men in environmental conservation projects, providing both employment and vocational training.