Public Works Administration

Definition

The Public Works Administration (PWA) was a New Deal agency established in 1933 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to help stimulate the economy and provide employment during the Great Depression through the funding and construction of public infrastructure projects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The PWA was one of the largest and most ambitious public works programs in American history, spending over $6 billion on construction projects during the 1930s.
2. The PWA funded the construction of a wide range of public facilities, including schools, hospitals, courthouses, dams, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.
3. The PWA was intended to provide employment and stimulate the economy by creating jobs and increasing demand for materials and services.
4. The PWA was led by Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes, who oversaw the selection and implementation of projects.
5. The PWA was considered a success, with many of its projects still in use today, and it played a significant role in the economic recovery of the United States during the Great Depression.

Review Questions

• Explain the primary goals and objectives of the Public Works Administration (PWA) within the context of the First New Deal.
  • The primary goals of the PWA were to stimulate the economy and provide employment during the Great Depression through the funding and construction of public infrastructure projects. As part of the First New Deal, the PWA was intended to create jobs, increase demand for materials and services, and build important public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and transportation infrastructure. The PWA was a key component of Roosevelt's efforts to use government spending and intervention to help the country recover from the economic crisis of the 1930s.
• Describe the role and impact of the Public Works Administration (PWA) in shaping the economic and social landscape of the United States during the First New Deal.
  • The PWA had a significant impact on the economic and social landscape of the United States during the First New Deal. By investing over $6 billion in public works projects, the PWA created thousands of jobs and stimulated economic activity, helping to alleviate the high unemployment and economic stagnation of the Great Depression. The construction of schools, hospitals, and other public facilities also improved access to essential services and infrastructure, benefiting communities across the country. Additionally, the PWA's focus on hiring skilled workers and using American-made materials helped to support domestic industries and promote economic recovery. Overall, the PWA played a crucial role in the broader New Deal efforts to revive the economy and improve the lives of Americans during this challenging period in U.S. history.
• Analyze the long-term significance of the Public Works Administration (PWA) and its lasting impact on the development of the United States' infrastructure and economic resilience.
  • The long-term significance of the Public Works Administration (PWA) lies in its lasting impact on the development of the United States' infrastructure and economic resilience. By investing in the construction of critical public facilities such as dams, bridges, roads, and public buildings, the PWA laid the foundation for much of the country's modern infrastructure. Many of these PWA-funded projects are still in use today, demonstrating the enduring value of the program's investments. Furthermore, the PWA's focus on using American-made materials and skilled labor helped to support domestic industries and promote economic self-sufficiency, contributing to the country's economic resilience in the face of future challenges. The PWA's success in stimulating the economy and providing employment during the Great Depression also highlighted the potential for government intervention and public works programs to play a constructive role in economic recovery and development, informing future policy decisions. Overall, the PWA's legacy can be seen in the physical infrastructure and economic foundations it helped to establish, which continue to shape the United States' growth and prosperity.

Related terms

New Deal: The New Deal was a series of economic programs and reforms implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s to help the United States recover from the Great Depression.

Great Depression: The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression that took place in the 1930s, beginning in 1929 and lasting until the late 1930s or early 1940s.

Infrastructure: Infrastructure refers to the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, such as buildings, roads, power supplies, and communication systems.