Civilian Conservation Corps

Definition

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a public work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942 in the United States for unemployed, unmarried men from relief families as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. The CCC provided jobs in natural resource conservation for young men during the Great Depression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CCC was one of the most popular and successful New Deal programs, employing over 3 million young men during its 9-year existence.
2. Enrollees in the CCC were paid $30 per month, with $25 of that sent directly to their families, helping to support them during the Great Depression.
3. The CCC worked on a variety of conservation projects, including planting trees, building trails and roads in national parks, and controlling soil erosion.
4. The CCC helped to establish or expand many national parks and forests, contributing to the preservation of America's natural resources.
5. The CCC provided job training and education opportunities for its enrollees, teaching them skills that were valuable for future employment.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a key part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies.
  • The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a crucial component of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, a series of economic programs aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression. The CCC provided jobs and job training for millions of unemployed, unmarried young men, allowing them to support their families while also contributing to the conservation and development of America's natural resources. By employing these men in projects such as planting trees, building trails, and controlling soil erosion, the CCC not only helped to preserve the country's environmental assets but also gave participants valuable skills and work experience that could aid them in finding future employment. As one of the most popular and successful New Deal programs, the CCC played a significant role in Roosevelt's efforts to address the economic and social challenges of the Great Depression.
• Describe how the work and activities of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) were connected to the goals of the Second New Deal.
  • The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was closely aligned with the goals of the Second New Deal, which built upon the initial relief efforts of the First New Deal to focus more on long-term economic and social reforms. The CCC's work in natural resource conservation, such as reforestation, erosion control, and the development of public lands, directly supported the Second New Deal's emphasis on environmental protection and the sustainable use of the nation's natural resources. Additionally, the CCC's provision of job training and educational opportunities for its enrollees aligned with the Second New Deal's objective of investing in human capital and improving the long-term employability of the nation's workforce. By addressing both immediate economic needs and longer-term social and environmental challenges, the CCC's activities were a key part of the broader reform agenda of the Second New Deal under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• Evaluate the overall impact and legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the context of the Great Depression and the New Deal era.
  • The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) had a significant and lasting impact during the Great Depression and the New Deal era. As one of the most popular and successful New Deal programs, the CCC provided much-needed jobs and income for millions of unemployed young men, helping to support their families and communities during the economic hardship of the 1930s. The CCC's work in natural resource conservation, such as reforestation, erosion control, and the development of public lands, not only addressed immediate environmental challenges but also laid the groundwork for the long-term preservation and sustainable use of America's natural resources. Furthermore, the CCC's provision of job training and educational opportunities helped to improve the employability and skills of its enrollees, contributing to their future economic and social mobility. The legacy of the CCC can be seen in the continued preservation and management of many national parks, forests, and other public lands that were shaped by the program's efforts. Overall, the CCC's multifaceted impact, from its immediate economic relief to its long-term environmental and social benefits, solidified its place as a cornerstone of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal and its enduring influence on American society.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of economic programs implemented in the United States during the Great Depression by President Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform.

Great Depression:

A severe and prolonged economic downturn that affected much of the world, including the United States, in the 1930s.

Public Works Administration (PWA): A New Deal agency established in 1933 that focused on the construction of public works projects such as bridges, dams, and public buildings.