Civil Works Administration
Civil Works Administration[edit | edit source]
The Civil Works Administration (CWA) was a short-lived U.S. job creation program established during the Great Depression to rapidly create manual labor jobs for millions of unemployed workers. The program was a part of the New Deal policies of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
History[edit | edit source]
The CWA was created in November 1933 as a temporary measure to provide employment during the harsh winter months. It was designed to provide jobs rather than direct relief, with the goal of boosting the economy through increased consumer spending. The program was administered by Harry Hopkins, who was also in charge of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA).
Objectives[edit | edit source]
The primary objective of the CWA was to provide a short-term solution to unemployment by creating jobs that would improve the nation's infrastructure. The program focused on "shovel-ready" projects that could be started quickly and employed large numbers of workers.
Projects[edit | edit source]
The CWA funded a wide range of projects, including:
- Construction and repair of roads, bridges, and public buildings.
- Improvement of airports and schools.
- Laying of sewer lines and water mains.
- Construction of playgrounds and parks.
These projects not only provided immediate employment but also contributed to the long-term development of the country's infrastructure.
Impact[edit | edit source]
At its peak, the CWA employed over 4 million workers. It was instrumental in providing relief to many families during the winter of 1933-1934. However, the program was expensive, costing the federal government approximately $200 million per month.
Termination[edit | edit source]
The CWA was intended as a temporary program and was dissolved in March 1934. Many of its functions were absorbed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which continued to provide employment through public works projects.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
The CWA is remembered as a successful example of a government program that provided immediate relief to the unemployed while also contributing to the nation's infrastructure. It set a precedent for future public works programs and demonstrated the potential of government intervention in times of economic crisis.
Also see[edit | edit source]
- New Deal
- Works Progress Administration
- Federal Emergency Relief Administration
- Public Works Administration
- Great Depression
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