WPA

Definition

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a key New Deal agency established in 1935 during the Great Depression, aimed at providing job relief for the unemployed through public works projects. It significantly impacted American society by employing millions of people and fostering a wide range of cultural programs, including the Federal Theatre Project, which supported theatre artists and productions across the nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The WPA was created to combat high unemployment rates during the Great Depression and funded a wide array of projects, including roads, schools, and parks.
2. The agency employed over 8 million people at its peak, making it one of the largest job creation programs in U.S. history.
3. Through the Federal Theatre Project, the WPA sponsored innovative and diverse theatrical productions that often addressed social issues of the time.
4. WPA artists contributed significantly to American culture by creating murals, sculptures, and other art forms in public spaces across the nation.
5. The WPA was dissolved in 1943 as World War II shifted national priorities toward war production and full employment was achieved through military enlistment.

Review Questions

• How did the WPA address the unemployment crisis during the Great Depression, and what types of projects did it fund?
  • The WPA addressed the unemployment crisis by creating millions of jobs through various public works projects aimed at improving infrastructure and community facilities. Projects included construction of roads, bridges, schools, and parks, which not only provided immediate employment but also benefitted local communities. By funding these initiatives, the WPA played a critical role in both economic recovery and societal improvement during one of America's toughest periods.
• Discuss the impact of the Federal Theatre Project on American theatre and its significance within the context of the WPA's broader goals.
  • The Federal Theatre Project had a profound impact on American theatre by providing crucial support to artists and productions that might not have otherwise thrived. It fostered innovative works that often tackled contemporary social issues, making theatre accessible to wider audiences. This aligns with the WPA's broader goals of providing relief to unemployed individuals while simultaneously enhancing cultural life in America during a time of economic hardship.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the WPA on American society and culture, particularly in relation to arts funding and public works.
  • The long-term effects of the WPA on American society are significant as it laid the groundwork for future arts funding initiatives and established a precedent for government involvement in cultural development. By recognizing the importance of public works and arts in boosting morale and community spirit during challenging times, it influenced how subsequent administrations viewed arts funding. The legacy of projects initiated by the WPA continues to resonate today in public art programs and infrastructure development that prioritize both employment and cultural enrichment.

Related terms

New Deal:

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

Federal Theatre Project:

A New Deal program established under the WPA that provided funding and support for theatrical productions, employing artists, actors, and technicians to create accessible performances for the public.

Public Works: Government-funded projects designed to create infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, that aim to improve public facilities and provide employment opportunities.