The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) was a New Deal agency established in 1933 to provide direct relief and support to the unemployed and impoverished during the Great Depression. FERA aimed to alleviate the suffering of millions by distributing federal funds to state and local relief programs, thereby helping communities address immediate needs like food, shelter, and employment.
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FERA was one of the first federal agencies created under the New Deal, focusing on immediate relief rather than long-term recovery.
Under FERA, approximately $500 million was distributed in aid to state and local governments for relief programs within its first year.
The agency provided funds for soup kitchens, employment programs, and housing assistance, directly benefiting those hit hardest by the economic downturn.
Harry Hopkins, a close advisor to Roosevelt, served as the head of FERA and played a key role in implementing its initiatives.
FERA was eventually replaced by the Works Progress Administration in 1935, which expanded relief efforts into more comprehensive job creation programs.
Review Questions
How did the Federal Emergency Relief Administration address the immediate needs of Americans during the Great Depression?
The Federal Emergency Relief Administration addressed immediate needs by distributing federal funds directly to state and local governments. This financial support enabled communities to set up relief programs such as soup kitchens, housing assistance, and job creation initiatives. By targeting those most affected by economic hardships, FERA played a crucial role in alleviating suffering during a time of crisis.
Evaluate the effectiveness of FERA's approach to relief compared to other New Deal programs like the CCC and WPA.
FERA's approach was focused primarily on immediate relief rather than long-term job creation. While it successfully provided necessary aid to millions through direct assistance, it lacked the structured job creation elements found in programs like the CCC and WPA. The CCC engaged young men in environmental work, while the WPA offered broader employment opportunities across various sectors. Ultimately, FERA laid the groundwork for these later programs but was less effective in fostering long-term economic recovery.
Analyze how the establishment of FERA reflected the broader goals of Roosevelt's New Deal in transforming government responsibility towards social welfare.
The establishment of FERA highlighted a significant shift in government responsibility as it marked one of the first instances where federal funding was used directly to assist individuals facing poverty. This represented a fundamental change in how the federal government viewed its role in society, moving from a more hands-off approach to one where it actively intervened to ensure citizens' welfare. By creating an agency dedicated to providing emergency relief, Roosevelt's New Deal began redefining the relationship between the government and its citizens, setting a precedent for future social welfare programs.
A series of programs and reforms initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat the economic hardships of the Great Depression.
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): A public work relief program that provided jobs for young men to engage in environmental conservation projects during the Great Depression.
Works Progress Administration (WPA): A New Deal agency that created millions of jobs through public works projects, including construction and arts programs, aimed at reducing unemployment.
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