Works Program Administration (WPA) by erickerrebrock

Goals of the Program

298366 — 2016-01-12 16:30:04 UTC

The goal of the WPA was to provide jobs for the unemployed workers during the Great Depression through the construction of public buildings and roads. At it's peak, it provided paid jobs for more than 3 million unemployed workers and helped pull the US out of the Depression.

Successful or Not?

298366 — 2016-01-12 16:35:49 UTC

THe WPA, Headed by Harry Hopkins, provided jobs and income to the unemployed in the United States during the Great Depression. Between 1935-1943, the WPA provided over 8 million jobs for unemployed workers. It provided one paid job for all families and worked its way to providing more jobs per family. Work relief was prefered over public assistance since it allowed people to maintain their respect, reinforce the work ethic and helped them keep skills sharp. This program was very successful in helping alleviate the effects of the Great Depression and helped pull the US out of this catastrophe.

Justified Federal Funding?

298366 — 2016-01-12 16:44:36 UTC

In total, the WPA spent $13.4 billion to help fund the projects that it created during the period. Even though many criticized this action of federal spending, it helped pick the US economy back up and put it back on the right track. Because of this federal spending, the government was able to create jobs for the unemployed, allowing unemployed workers to get jobs once again and rebuild the economy leading up to the second World War.

The Critics

298366 — 2016-01-12 16:59:44 UTC

THe WPA received much criticism from people as it was said that WPA workers were "lazy" and "poor workers". Many WPA workers had a hard tome finding work outside of the program since many employers did not approve of the program. It was sloganed repeatedly as "We putter along", "We piddle around" and "Whistle, piss and argue". Eventually, New Deal officials took measures to prevent political corruption and president Roosevelt set up a "division of progress investigation" to investigate the complaints towards the program.

298366 — 2016-01-13 16:44:22 UTC