Farm Security Administration

Definition

The Farm Security Administration (FSA) was a New Deal agency established in 1937 aimed at combating rural poverty and assisting struggling farmers in the United States during the Great Depression. The FSA provided loans, technical assistance, and education to help sharecroppers and tenant farmers improve their living conditions and achieve greater economic independence. Through its initiatives, the FSA sought to transform agricultural practices and enhance the livelihoods of those affected by economic hardship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The FSA was created as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies to address the dire conditions faced by farmers during the Great Depression.
2. The agency provided low-interest loans to help farmers purchase land, equipment, and supplies, promoting self-sufficiency among rural communities.
3. The FSA also focused on education by offering programs in crop management, livestock care, and conservation practices to improve agricultural efficiency.
4. Documentary photography became a key aspect of the FSA's outreach, with photographers like Dorothea Lange capturing images that highlighted the struggles of rural families.
5. The FSA played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for later agricultural policies and rural development programs in the United States.

Review Questions

• How did the Farm Security Administration address the needs of sharecroppers and tenant farmers during the Great Depression?
  • The Farm Security Administration specifically targeted sharecroppers and tenant farmers by providing them with low-interest loans and technical assistance. This support allowed them to improve their farming practices, acquire necessary equipment, and ultimately work towards economic independence. By focusing on education in agriculture and promoting sustainable farming techniques, the FSA aimed to alleviate poverty and improve living standards among these vulnerable populations.
• Evaluate the impact of documentary photography employed by the Farm Security Administration on public perception during its operation.
  • The documentary photography efforts by the Farm Security Administration had a profound impact on public perception by humanizing the struggles faced by rural families during the Great Depression. Photographers like Dorothea Lange captured poignant images that showcased poverty and resilience, which helped garner support for New Deal initiatives. This visual storytelling not only raised awareness about rural poverty but also influenced policymakers by illustrating the urgent need for assistance and reform in agricultural communities.
• Analyze how the establishment of the Farm Security Administration influenced subsequent agricultural policies and programs in America.
  • The establishment of the Farm Security Administration marked a significant shift in government intervention in agriculture, setting a precedent for future policies aimed at rural development. Its emphasis on providing financial assistance, education, and technical support laid the foundation for later programs that addressed issues such as food security, farm sustainability, and rural electrification. The FSA's focus on empowering farmers through resources and education influenced how government agencies would approach agricultural challenges in subsequent decades, ensuring that support systems continued to evolve in response to changing needs within rural communities.

Related terms

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

Sharecropping: A system of agriculture where landowners allow tenants to use the land in exchange for a share of the crops produced, often leading to cycles of debt and poverty for the tenant farmers.

Rural Electrification Administration: An agency established in 1935 to promote rural electrification and improve the quality of life for residents in rural areas through access to electricity.