Public Works Administration

Definition

The Public Works Administration (PWA) was a New Deal agency created in 1933 that aimed to provide jobs through the construction of large-scale public works projects. By funding infrastructure projects like bridges, schools, and dams, the PWA sought to stimulate economic recovery and reduce unemployment during the Great Depression. This initiative played a crucial role in modernizing the United States' infrastructure and laid the groundwork for future federal involvement in public works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The PWA was part of the broader New Deal initiative aimed at revitalizing the American economy and providing employment during the Great Depression.
2. One of the most famous projects funded by the PWA is the construction of the Hoover Dam, which not only provided jobs but also improved water supply and hydroelectric power.
3. The PWA employed over 3 million people in its peak years, making significant contributions to reducing unemployment rates during the 1930s.
4. By focusing on large-scale infrastructure projects, the PWA helped lay a foundation for modern transportation systems and urban development in America.
5. The agency was officially dissolved in 1943, but its legacy continued through subsequent federal infrastructure initiatives and programs.

Review Questions

• How did the Public Works Administration contribute to economic recovery during the Great Depression?
  • The Public Works Administration played a significant role in economic recovery during the Great Depression by funding large-scale infrastructure projects that created millions of jobs. By investing in public works, such as highways, bridges, and schools, the PWA not only provided immediate employment but also stimulated demand for materials and services, thereby boosting local economies. This approach helped to alleviate some of the widespread unemployment and economic despair faced by Americans during this time.
• In what ways did the PWA differ from other New Deal programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps?
  • The Public Works Administration differed from other New Deal programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps primarily in its focus and scale. While the CCC targeted young men for environmental conservation work, employing them on smaller-scale projects such as reforestation and park development, the PWA focused on large-scale infrastructure development that had broader societal impact. The PWA's projects were designed to provide long-lasting benefits to communities across the nation, while programs like the CCC emphasized immediate job creation in specific areas.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Public Works Administration on American infrastructure and government policy.
  • The long-term impacts of the Public Works Administration on American infrastructure are substantial and enduring. The agency's focus on large-scale public works projects led to significant advancements in transportation and utility systems that facilitated economic growth and urban development in subsequent decades. Additionally, the PWA established a precedent for federal involvement in public infrastructure that influenced future government policies. The legacy of the PWA can be seen in modern federal programs that prioritize public works investment as a means to create jobs and stimulate economic recovery.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and policies established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression.

Civilian Conservation Corps: A public work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942, providing jobs for young men to work on environmental conservation projects.

Federal Emergency Relief Administration: A New Deal agency that provided direct relief for the needy through cash grants and work relief programs to alleviate the effects of the Great Depression.