Farm Security Administration

Definition

The Farm Security Administration (FSA) was a New Deal agency established in 1937 to combat rural poverty and improve the living conditions of farming families during the Great Depression. It aimed to provide loans, education, and support to farmers, while also documenting their struggles through photography, which played a crucial role in the development of documentary filmmaking.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The FSA was known for its significant investment in community development and rural rehabilitation programs aimed at assisting poor farming families.
2. One of the most famous aspects of the FSA was its photography program, which featured works by renowned photographers like Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans.
3. The FSA's efforts helped document the plight of rural Americans, raising public awareness about their struggles and influencing social policy.
4. In addition to providing financial support, the FSA offered educational programs focusing on sustainable farming practices and home economics.
5. The legacy of the FSA continues to influence documentary filmmaking and photography by highlighting social issues and advocating for change.

Review Questions

• How did the Farm Security Administration's photography program contribute to the understanding of rural poverty during the Great Depression?
  • The Farm Security Administration's photography program was vital in capturing the harsh realities of rural poverty during the Great Depression. Through powerful images taken by photographers like Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans, the FSA was able to portray the struggles of farming families. These photographs brought national attention to social issues faced by these communities, fostering empathy and influencing public opinion as well as government policies aimed at alleviating their hardships.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Farm Security Administration in addressing rural poverty compared to other New Deal initiatives.
  • The Farm Security Administration was effective in addressing rural poverty through its comprehensive approach that included loans, education, and community development. While other New Deal initiatives like the Civilian Conservation Corps focused on immediate job creation, the FSA aimed for long-term improvements in living conditions for farming families. However, despite its achievements, many farmers remained in difficult situations due to systemic issues in agriculture that were not fully resolved by FSA programs.
• Analyze how the methods and goals of the Farm Security Administration have influenced contemporary documentary practices.
  • The Farm Security Administration's emphasis on documenting real-life struggles through photography has had a lasting impact on contemporary documentary practices. By using visual storytelling to raise awareness about social issues, the FSA set a precedent for modern documentarians who aim to highlight marginalized voices. This approach not only serves as a historical record but also fosters dialogue and advocacy for social change, reflecting ongoing concerns about poverty and inequality in today's society.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and policies established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aiming to provide relief, recovery, and reform.

Documentary Photography: A style of photography that captures real-life events and social issues, often used to convey messages and raise awareness about important topics.

Rural Electrification Administration: An agency created in 1935 that aimed to provide electrical power to rural areas in the United States, improving the quality of life for many farming families.