Farm Security Administration

Definition

The Farm Security Administration (FSA) was a New Deal agency created in 1937 to combat rural poverty and improve the living conditions of farmers in the United States, particularly during the Great Depression. The FSA provided loans, education, and resources to help farmers become more self-sufficient and improve their agricultural practices. It played a significant role in the overall effort to alleviate the economic hardships faced by rural communities and fostered social change through various programs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The FSA was formed from the Resettlement Administration, which initially focused on relocating struggling farm families to more productive areas.
2. The agency offered low-interest loans to help farmers purchase land, livestock, and equipment, supporting their transition to more sustainable farming practices.
3. The FSA is famous for its photography project, which documented the lives of impoverished rural families, raising awareness of their struggles during the Great Depression.
4. By providing education on improved farming techniques and soil conservation, the FSA helped farmers increase productivity and better manage their resources.
5. The FSA's work laid the groundwork for future agricultural programs and policies that continued to address rural poverty well beyond the New Deal era.

Review Questions

• How did the Farm Security Administration address the challenges faced by rural communities during the Great Depression?
  • The Farm Security Administration tackled the economic difficulties faced by rural communities through various programs aimed at improving living conditions. By providing low-interest loans, education on sustainable farming practices, and access to resources, the FSA helped farmers increase their productivity and become more self-sufficient. This approach not only addressed immediate financial needs but also aimed at fostering long-term improvements in agriculture and community resilience.
• Evaluate the impact of the FSA's photography project on public awareness regarding rural poverty during its time.
  • The FSA's photography project had a significant impact on public awareness about rural poverty by capturing powerful images of struggling farm families. These photographs helped humanize the economic plight faced by many Americans during the Great Depression, drawing attention to their hardships. By showcasing real-life conditions, the project generated empathy among viewers and influenced public opinion regarding government intervention and support for rural communities.
• Discuss how the initiatives of the Farm Security Administration contributed to long-term changes in agricultural policy and rural development after the New Deal era.
  • The initiatives of the Farm Security Administration led to long-term changes in agricultural policy and rural development by laying a foundation for ongoing federal support for farmers. The emphasis on sustainable practices and education shifted how agriculture was approached in America, influencing future programs like the Rural Electrification Administration. Additionally, the FSA's focus on poverty alleviation within farming communities highlighted ongoing issues that would continue to shape agricultural policies in subsequent decades, leading to more comprehensive strategies addressing rural poverty.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression aimed at economic recovery and social reform.

Agricultural Adjustment Act: A law enacted in 1933 that aimed to boost agricultural prices by reducing surpluses through crop production adjustments and subsidies.

Rural Electrification Administration: An agency established in 1935 to provide federal loans for the installation of electrical distribution systems in rural areas, improving quality of life for many farmers.