Public Works Administration

Definition

The Public Works Administration (PWA) was a New Deal agency created in 1933 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's response to the Great Depression. Its primary goal was to stimulate economic recovery through large-scale public works projects, which provided jobs and improved infrastructure. The PWA funded the construction of roads, bridges, schools, and other essential facilities, thereby helping to revitalize local economies and reduce unemployment during a time of crisis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The PWA was authorized under the National Industrial Recovery Act and was led by Harold L. Ickes as the Secretary of the Interior.
2. It allocated over $6 billion for construction projects, significantly contributing to the development of infrastructure across the United States.
3. The PWA focused on large-scale projects like dams, schools, and hospitals, which were designed to have lasting benefits for communities.
4. By 1941, the PWA had created around 1 million jobs, helping to alleviate unemployment during a period of economic hardship.
5. The agency emphasized quality and sustainability in construction, often resulting in notable architectural designs that are still admired today.

Review Questions

• How did the Public Works Administration contribute to economic recovery during the Great Depression?
  • The Public Works Administration played a vital role in economic recovery by funding large-scale infrastructure projects that created thousands of jobs. These projects not only provided immediate employment but also helped stimulate local economies by improving public facilities, such as roads and schools. By investing in infrastructure, the PWA aimed to boost public confidence and encourage private investment, thereby fostering a more robust economic environment during a challenging time.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Public Works Administration's projects on American infrastructure and society.
  • The long-term impacts of the PWA's projects are evident in the lasting improvements to American infrastructure and community facilities. Many roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals built during this period continue to serve populations today. Additionally, these projects laid the groundwork for future federal investment in public works and established a precedent for government involvement in economic recovery efforts. The PWA's focus on quality construction also influenced architectural standards and urban planning in subsequent decades.
• Assess how the Public Works Administration interacted with other New Deal programs to address the challenges posed by the Great Depression.
  • The Public Works Administration worked in tandem with other New Deal programs, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration, to create a comprehensive approach to tackle the challenges of the Great Depression. While the PWA focused on large-scale infrastructure projects, other programs targeted different sectors of employment and conservation efforts. Together, these initiatives formed an interconnected strategy that aimed not only at providing immediate relief but also at fostering long-term economic stability and development across various aspects of American life.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of programs and policies implemented by Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the economic challenges of the Great Depression.

Civilian Conservation Corps:

A New Deal program that employed young men in environmental conservation projects, such as planting trees and developing parks.

Works Progress Administration:

A major New Deal agency that provided jobs through various public works projects, focusing on the arts, construction, and infrastructure improvements.