The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was an American New Deal agency

 

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was an American New Deal agency that employed millions of jobseekers (mostly men who were not formally educated) to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads. The WPA was established in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of his New Deal program to address the Great Depression.

The WPA was one of the largest and most ambitious public works programs in American history. At its peak in 1938, it employed over 3.3 million people. The WPA's projects included the construction of over 650,000 miles of roads, 125,000 bridges, 13,000 schools, and 5,000 hospitals. The WPA also funded art projects, including the Federal Writers' Project, which collected oral histories from former slaves and other marginalized groups.

The WPA was controversial from the start. Some critics argued that it was a waste of money, while others accused it of being a way to create patronage jobs for political supporters. However, the WPA was ultimately successful in providing jobs and income for millions of Americans, and it helped to improve the country's infrastructure.

The WPA was terminated in 1943, as the United States entered World War II. However, its legacy continues to be felt today. The WPA's projects helped to create a more modern and equitable America, and its art projects helped to preserve the nation's cultural heritage.

Here are some of the most notable achievements of the WPA:

• Constructed over 650,000 miles of roads
• Built 125,000 bridges
• Built 13,000 schools
• Built 5,000 hospitals
• Funded the Federal Writers' Project, which collected oral histories from former slaves and other marginalized groups
• Funded the Federal Theater Project, which produced plays and other performances for low-income audiences
• Funded the Federal Art Project, which created murals, sculptures, and other works of art

The WPA was a landmark program that had a profound impact on the United States. It helped to put millions of people to work, improve the country's infrastructure, and preserve its cultural heritage. The WPA's legacy continues to be felt today.