Public Works Administration (PWA)

Definition

The Public Works Administration (PWA) was a New Deal agency created in 1933 to provide jobs and stimulate the economy through the construction of large-scale public works projects. The PWA aimed to reduce unemployment during the Great Depression by funding infrastructure projects like bridges, dams, schools, and roads, which not only created jobs but also improved the nation's infrastructure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The PWA was part of the larger New Deal effort to address the economic crisis of the Great Depression, focusing on job creation through infrastructure development.
2. It was led by Harold Ickes, who prioritized projects that not only created jobs but also had long-term benefits for communities.
3. The PWA funded significant projects like the construction of the Hoover Dam, the George Washington Bridge, and many public schools and hospitals across the country.
4. By 1939, the PWA had allocated over $7 billion for construction projects, employing millions of Americans and greatly contributing to economic recovery.
5. The PWA's emphasis on large-scale projects often resulted in quality construction that improved urban and rural landscapes for generations.

Review Questions

• How did the Public Works Administration (PWA) contribute to job creation during the Great Depression?
  • The Public Works Administration (PWA) played a crucial role in addressing unemployment during the Great Depression by funding extensive public works projects. By investing in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and schools, the PWA not only created jobs directly for workers in construction but also stimulated economic activity in related industries. This approach helped to reduce the staggering unemployment rates of the era while providing essential services and infrastructure improvements to communities.
• Evaluate the impact of PWA projects on American infrastructure and society during its operation.
  • PWA projects had a lasting impact on American infrastructure and society by modernizing public works and enhancing community resources. Major constructions funded by the PWA, like bridges and schools, improved connectivity and access to education across the nation. Additionally, these projects fostered a sense of community pride and ownership as they involved local labor forces. The durability of these structures has allowed them to serve generations, making the PWA's contributions vital to America's growth during and after the Great Depression.
• Analyze how the goals of the Public Works Administration reflected broader New Deal objectives and their implications for future federal policies.
  • The goals of the Public Works Administration were deeply intertwined with broader New Deal objectives aimed at economic recovery and social reform. By focusing on job creation through large-scale infrastructure projects, the PWA exemplified the New Deal's commitment to direct government intervention in economic affairs. This approach laid groundwork for future federal policies emphasizing public investment in infrastructure as a means of stimulating economic growth. The success of PWA projects demonstrated how government action could effectively respond to economic crises, influencing subsequent policy frameworks in later decades.

Related terms

New Deal:

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

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC):

A New Deal program that provided jobs for young men in environmental conservation projects, such as reforestation and soil erosion control.

Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA):

An early New Deal agency that provided direct relief to the unemployed and needy, offering financial assistance and work programs.