Rural Electrification Administration (REA)

Definition

The Rural Electrification Administration (REA) was a New Deal agency established in 1935 aimed at providing electrical power to rural areas in the United States. By addressing the lack of electricity in remote regions, the REA significantly transformed rural life, promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for farmers and their families. This initiative helped alleviate some of the hardships brought on by the Great Depression, showcasing the federal government's commitment to modernizing rural America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The REA provided loans to local electric cooperatives to help them build infrastructure that would bring electricity to rural areas.
2. By 1950, more than 90% of U.S. farms had access to electricity due to the efforts of the REA.
3. The REA not only improved agricultural productivity but also encouraged rural families to invest in modern appliances, enhancing their quality of life.
4. The establishment of the REA marked a shift in government policy, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing economic disparities between urban and rural communities.
5. The REA played a significant role in fostering community cooperation, as local residents often banded together to form cooperatives that facilitated the distribution of electricity.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the Rural Electrification Administration reflect the goals of the New Deal?
  • The establishment of the Rural Electrification Administration aligned with the New Deal's overarching goals of economic recovery and social reform by addressing the specific needs of rural populations. It sought to improve living standards in impoverished areas by providing access to electricity, which was essential for modern farming and home life. The REA's efforts exemplified how the government could play an active role in promoting economic development and reducing inequalities between urban and rural communities during the Great Depression.
• Discuss the impact of the Rural Electrification Administration on rural communities and agricultural practices during the Great Depression.
  • The impact of the Rural Electrification Administration on rural communities was profound, as it transformed agricultural practices and everyday life. With access to electricity, farmers could use modern machinery, which increased productivity and efficiency in farming operations. Additionally, rural households benefited from electric appliances that improved living conditions and offered new conveniences. This modernization helped stabilize rural economies during a period of economic hardship and contributed to a shift towards more diversified agricultural practices.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of the Rural Electrification Administration in shaping modern rural America, considering its effects on community development and economic opportunities.
  • The long-term significance of the Rural Electrification Administration is evident in its lasting effects on community development and economic opportunities in rural America. By facilitating access to electricity, the REA laid the groundwork for subsequent infrastructure improvements, leading to better connectivity and access to services. This electrification not only spurred local economies but also empowered rural communities by fostering cooperation through cooperative businesses. The REA's legacy continues today as it contributed to ongoing efforts for equitable access to technology and services in less populated areas.

Related terms

New Deal:

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

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA):

A federally owned corporation created in 1933 to provide navigation, flood control, electricity generation, and economic development in the Tennessee Valley region.

Farm Security Administration (FSA): A New Deal agency established in 1937 that aimed to combat rural poverty and improve living conditions for farmers through loans, education, and community projects.