Works Progress Administration

Definition

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a key New Deal program established in 1935 to combat unemployment during the Great Depression by providing jobs through public works projects. This program aimed to create infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, while also supporting the arts and cultural initiatives. The WPA significantly contributed to the economic recovery of the United States by employing millions of Americans and revitalizing communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The WPA employed over 8 million Americans from 1935 to 1943, making it one of the largest job creation programs in U.S. history.
2. The program is credited with constructing more than 650,000 miles of roads and highways, as well as thousands of bridges, schools, and other public buildings.
3. WPA workers included not only laborers but also skilled professionals like artists, musicians, and writers, showcasing the program's diverse contributions to society.
4. The WPA faced criticism for its perceived inefficiency and for being a form of government 'make-work,' yet it played a crucial role in stabilizing the economy during the Great Depression.
5. Despite its eventual termination during World War II, the legacy of the WPA continues today through many of the infrastructures and cultural institutions it established.

Review Questions

• How did the Works Progress Administration address unemployment during the Great Depression, and what types of projects did it focus on?
  • The Works Progress Administration was created to tackle the severe unemployment crisis caused by the Great Depression by offering jobs to millions of Americans. It primarily focused on public works projects that included building roads, bridges, schools, and parks. Additionally, it supported artistic endeavors by employing musicians, writers, and artists, thus enriching both infrastructure and culture while providing much-needed employment.
• Evaluate the impact of the WPA on American infrastructure and culture during its operation.
  • The impact of the WPA on American infrastructure was profound, as it led to the construction of over 650,000 miles of roads and numerous public buildings that still serve communities today. Culturally, the WPA's Federal Art Project allowed artists to create murals and perform plays that captured the spirit of the era. This dual impact not only provided immediate relief through job creation but also enriched American society by enhancing its cultural heritage.
• Analyze the long-term effects of the Works Progress Administration on modern public works initiatives and federal employment programs.
  • The long-term effects of the WPA can be seen in contemporary public works initiatives that prioritize job creation through government investment in infrastructure. The principles established during the WPA have influenced modern federal employment programs by highlighting the importance of providing work during economic downturns. Additionally, many structures built by the WPA continue to function today, demonstrating how historical programs can shape community resilience and ongoing development efforts in response to economic challenges.

Related terms

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

Civilian Conservation Corps: A New Deal program that employed young men in environmental conservation projects, such as reforestation and park maintenance, helping to alleviate unemployment.

Federal Art Project: A subdivision of the WPA that provided jobs for artists and supported public art programs, contributing to the cultural landscape of the time.