Rural Electrification Administration

Definition

The Rural Electrification Administration (REA) was a New Deal agency created in 1935 to promote the delivery of electricity to rural areas across the United States. It aimed to provide electrical power to farmers and rural communities who had previously been neglected by private utility companies, significantly transforming rural life and agriculture in Georgia and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The REA provided low-interest loans to electric cooperatives, which enabled them to build power lines and infrastructure necessary for electrification in rural communities.
2. By the early 1950s, over 90% of farms in Georgia had access to electricity due to the efforts of the REA and local cooperatives.
3. The introduction of electricity transformed agricultural practices in Georgia by allowing for new machinery, improved irrigation systems, and better food preservation methods.
4. The REA not only focused on electrification but also promoted education about electrical safety and efficiency among rural residents.
5. The establishment of electric cooperatives under the REA fostered community organization and involvement, empowering rural citizens to take part in their own economic development.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the Rural Electrification Administration impact agricultural practices in Georgia?
  • The establishment of the Rural Electrification Administration had a profound impact on agricultural practices in Georgia by providing access to electricity for farmers. With electricity, farmers could use modern machinery that improved efficiency and productivity. This shift allowed for advancements like electric irrigation systems, refrigeration for perishables, and other electrical equipment that changed farming operations, ultimately leading to increased agricultural yields.
• Evaluate the role of electric cooperatives in the success of the Rural Electrification Administration's mission in Georgia.
  • Electric cooperatives played a crucial role in the success of the Rural Electrification Administration's mission by taking advantage of low-interest loans provided by the agency. These cooperatives were able to plan and implement local electrification projects that met the specific needs of their communities. Their grassroots approach fostered local involvement, ensuring that residents not only received electricity but also became active participants in managing and maintaining their electrical infrastructure.
• Assess how the success of the Rural Electrification Administration influenced broader social and economic changes in rural Georgia during the mid-20th century.
  • The success of the Rural Electrification Administration led to significant social and economic changes in rural Georgia during the mid-20th century. Access to electricity brought about modernization in farming techniques and household conveniences, which enhanced quality of life. The economic boost from increased agricultural productivity contributed to a more vibrant rural economy. Moreover, electrification spurred education and health improvements, as residents could utilize electric lighting for studying and healthcare facilities could operate more effectively, thus reshaping rural communities overall.

Related terms

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

Tennessee Valley Authority: A federally owned corporation established in 1933 to provide navigation, flood control, electricity generation, and economic development in the Tennessee Valley region.

Electric Cooperatives: Non-profit organizations formed to provide electric service to rural areas, often funded through loans from the REA, that helped expand access to electricity in less populated regions.