The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) was a New Deal agency established in 1933 to provide direct relief for the unemployed and their families during the Great Depression. FERA aimed to alleviate the economic suffering of millions of Americans by distributing funds to state governments, which then implemented various relief programs, including job creation initiatives and assistance for those in need.
congrats on reading the definition of Federal Emergency Relief Administration. now let's actually learn it.
FERA was created under the leadership of Harry Hopkins, who became a key figure in implementing New Deal programs.
The administration provided approximately $3.1 billion in federal funds to state governments, which helped support various local relief programs.
One of FERA's major contributions was the establishment of work relief programs that offered jobs to the unemployed in areas like construction and public service.
FERA marked a shift towards direct federal involvement in welfare, setting a precedent for future government assistance programs.
By 1935, FERA was replaced by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which expanded upon its initiatives to provide more extensive job creation efforts.
Review Questions
How did the establishment of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration reflect the changing role of the federal government during the Great Depression?
The creation of FERA represented a significant shift in the federal government's approach to addressing economic hardship during the Great Depression. Instead of relying solely on state or local efforts, FERA marked an increased federal responsibility for providing direct relief to those suffering from unemployment. This change highlighted the recognition that a coordinated national response was necessary to combat the widespread economic crisis.
In what ways did FERA's initiatives lay the groundwork for future social welfare programs in the United States?
FERA's initiatives were pivotal in shaping future social welfare programs by introducing direct federal assistance to the unemployed and establishing work relief projects. The funding and organizational frameworks developed under FERA were essential for subsequent programs, such as the Civil Works Administration and later the Works Progress Administration. These initiatives demonstrated that federal involvement was necessary for effective economic recovery and laid the foundation for more comprehensive social safety nets like the Social Security Act.
Evaluate the impact of FERA on local communities during the Great Depression and its significance in American economic policy moving forward.
FERA had a profound impact on local communities by providing crucial financial support and creating jobs through public works projects. This not only helped alleviate immediate suffering but also fostered community resilience by enabling people to contribute to their local economies. Its significance in American economic policy is seen in how it shifted public expectations regarding government responsibility for economic welfare, paving the way for enduring policies aimed at social support and economic stability well beyond the Great Depression.
A series of programs and policies enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at economic recovery and social reform.
Civil Works Administration: A short-lived New Deal agency that provided temporary jobs for the unemployed during the winter of 1933-34, focusing on public works projects.
A landmark piece of legislation passed in 1935 that established a system of old-age benefits, unemployment insurance, and aid for dependent children and the disabled.
"Federal Emergency Relief Administration" also found in: