ID: Works Progress Administration (WPA)
When: May 6, 1935 (Established)
Who:
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt: As part of his New Deal program.
- Harry Hopkins: Headed the WPA.
What:
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a massive public works program enacted during the Great Depression under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. It aimed to provide jobs and income to unemployed Americans by funding a wide variety of projects, including construction of public buildings, roads, bridges, and airports. The WPA also employed artists, writers, musicians, and actors in arts-related projects.
Impact: Why Significant?:
- Job Creation: Provided millions of jobs to unemployed workers, offering crucial income during the Depression.
- Infrastructure Development: Constructed or improved countless public facilities, including roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and parks, significantly improving the nation’s infrastructure.
- Arts and Culture Support: Funded arts programs that preserved and promoted American culture, providing opportunities for artists and enriching communities.
- Economic Relief: Helped to alleviate the economic hardship of the Great Depression by putting money back into the economy through wages and increased consumer spending.
- Lasting Legacy: Many WPA projects remain in use today, demonstrating the long-term positive impact of the program on American society. While controversial for its cost and scope, it served as a crucial lifeline for millions of Americans during a time of unprecedented economic hardship.