Hoover Dam

Definition

Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam located on the Colorado River, between Nevada and Arizona. Completed in 1936 during the Great Depression, it was built to provide flood control, hydroelectric power, and water storage for the arid southwestern United States. The construction of the dam was a significant part of the New Deal programs aimed at economic recovery and infrastructure development during this challenging period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hoover Dam was originally known as Boulder Dam until its name was officially changed in 1930 to honor President Herbert Hoover.
2. Construction of the dam employed thousands of workers and significantly reduced unemployment rates in the region during its peak construction years.
3. The dam creates Lake Mead, which is one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States and serves as a critical water supply for millions of people.
4. Hoover Dam's hydroelectric power plant has a capacity of about 2,080 megawatts, providing electricity to over a million people in Nevada, Arizona, and California.
5. The construction of Hoover Dam represented one of the most ambitious engineering projects of its time, showcasing innovative techniques that contributed to its structural integrity and longevity.

Review Questions

• How did the construction of Hoover Dam reflect the goals of the New Deal programs?
  • The construction of Hoover Dam exemplified the goals of the New Deal by focusing on economic recovery through job creation and infrastructure development. It provided thousands of jobs to workers during a time of high unemployment and helped stimulate local economies. Moreover, the dam's role in providing reliable water and hydroelectric power contributed to long-term economic growth in the region, aligning with the New Deal's vision for revitalizing the American economy.
• Discuss the environmental and economic impacts of Hoover Dam on the southwestern United States.
  • Hoover Dam had significant environmental impacts, including the creation of Lake Mead, which altered local ecosystems and served as a crucial water reservoir. Economically, it transformed agriculture and urban development in arid regions by providing a reliable water supply for irrigation. The hydroelectric power generated also supported industrial growth in cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles, showcasing how a single infrastructure project can have far-reaching effects on both environmental conditions and economic stability.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of Hoover Dam in terms of its engineering innovations and its role in American infrastructure development.
  • The long-term significance of Hoover Dam lies not only in its massive scale but also in its engineering innovations, which set new standards for future dam constructions across the nation. Its design incorporated advanced techniques for concrete placement and structural stability that influenced modern engineering practices. Additionally, Hoover Dam played a pivotal role in American infrastructure development by demonstrating how large-scale public works projects can address both environmental challenges and economic needs, reinforcing the importance of federal investment in critical infrastructure for national growth.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of federal programs and reforms launched by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at providing economic relief, recovery, and reform.

Boulder Canyon Project: A major water management project that included the Hoover Dam and aimed to control the Colorado River's flow and provide irrigation and hydroelectric power.

Public Works Administration (PWA):

A New Deal agency that funded large-scale public works projects, including the construction of bridges, dams, and schools to create jobs and stimulate the economy.