key term - Federal Writers' Project

Definition

The Federal Writers' Project (FWP) was a New Deal program established in 1935 that aimed to provide employment for writers and promote American literature, history, and culture during the Great Depression. It was part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and created a wealth of written materials, including guides, folklore collections, and historical narratives that documented life in America, especially in the southern states like Georgia. The project aimed to highlight local cultures and preserve oral histories while employing thousands of unemployed writers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Federal Writers' Project was responsible for producing the 'American Guide Series,' which offered insights into various states and their unique histories.
2. In Georgia, the FWP collected extensive oral histories and folklore that highlighted the state's diverse cultural heritage.
3. The project employed thousands of writers, many of whom went on to become well-known authors and journalists after their work with the FWP.
4. The Federal Writers' Project faced criticism from some who saw it as wasteful government spending, but it ultimately contributed significantly to American literature.
5. The legacy of the FWP can be seen today in the preservation of regional stories and cultural history that might have otherwise been lost.

Review Questions

• How did the Federal Writers' Project contribute to the documentation of regional cultures and histories in Georgia?
  • The Federal Writers' Project played a crucial role in documenting regional cultures and histories in Georgia by collecting oral histories and folklore from diverse communities across the state. Through its efforts, writers captured the unique stories, traditions, and experiences of Georgians, many of whom were affected by the economic hardships of the Great Depression. This documentation not only preserved valuable cultural heritage but also provided insights into everyday life during this challenging period.
• Analyze the impact of the Federal Writers' Project on American literature and how it reflects the societal challenges of its time.
  • The Federal Writers' Project had a lasting impact on American literature by creating a wealth of written works that reflected the societal challenges faced during the Great Depression. By employing writers to document local cultures and produce guidebooks, the FWP contributed to a greater understanding of American identity during a time of economic crisis. The narratives produced under this program showcased both resilience and hardship, highlighting diverse voices that had often been marginalized in mainstream literature.
• Evaluate the significance of the Federal Writers' Project within the broader context of New Deal programs in addressing unemployment and preserving cultural heritage.
  • The Federal Writers' Project is significant within the broader context of New Deal programs as it not only addressed unemployment by providing jobs to writers but also prioritized the preservation of American cultural heritage. By employing talented individuals during a period of widespread job loss, it offered a unique solution that combined economic relief with artistic expression. The resulting documentation not only helped to preserve local histories and traditions but also enriched American literature and allowed for diverse voices to be heard in a time when many were struggling to make ends meet.

Related terms

Works Progress Administration: A New Deal agency that provided jobs for millions of Americans during the Great Depression, including programs in arts, construction, and public services.

Oral History: A method of collecting historical information through recorded interviews with people who have personal knowledge of past events.

Folklore: The traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, and practices of a culture, often passed down orally from generation to generation.