Works Progress Administration of the Great Depression
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) stands as a monumental testament to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal, a series of ambitious domestic programs designed to resuscitate the United States economy during the throes of the Great Depression. More than just a collection of policies, the New Deal represented a paradigm shift in the government’s role in American life, directly intervening to provide relief, recovery, and reform. Among the most impactful of these initiatives was the WPA, an agency that sought to address the crippling unemployment crisis by putting millions of Americans back to work.
The Genesis of the WPA
The genesis of the WPA can be traced back to April 8, 1935, when Congress approved the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935. This landmark legislation allocated significant funding for work relief programs, paving the way for the creation of the WPA. The agency’s primary objective was to provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals from all walks of life, ranging from unskilled laborers to highly skilled artists, craftspeople, and technicians.
A National Undertaking
The WPA quickly evolved into the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, a testament to the scale of the economic challenges facing the nation. In 1939, the agency’s name was officially changed to the Work Projects Administration, reflecting its expanded scope and focus. The WPA operated as a collaborative effort between the federal government and state and local authorities. The federal government provided the bulk of the funding, while state and local governments contributed 10–30% of the costs, typically in the form of land, equipment, and supplies. The WPA was then responsible for paying wages to the workers.
Infrastructure Transformation
During its eight years of operation, the WPA left an indelible mark on the American landscape, transforming the nation’s infrastructure in profound ways. The agency’s projects encompassed a wide array of public works initiatives, including the construction of new buildings, the improvement of existing structures, and the creation of recreational spaces.
Specifically, the WPA was responsible for:
- The construction of 40,000 new buildings and the improvement of 85,000 existing ones
- The construction of 5,900 new schools
- The construction of 9,300 new auditoriums, gyms, and recreational buildings
- The construction of 1,000 new libraries
- The construction of 7,000 new dormitories
- The construction of 900 new armories
- The creation of 2,302 stadiums, grandstands, and bleachers
- The creation of 52 fairgrounds and rodeo grounds
- The creation of 1,686 parks, encompassing 75,152 acres
- The construction of 138 outdoor theaters
- The construction of 254 golf courses
Many of these projects continue to serve communities across the United States to this day, a lasting legacy of the WPA’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all Americans.
Iconic Landmarks
The WPA’s impact extended beyond mere statistics, encompassing the creation of iconic landmarks that have become integral parts of the American cultural landscape. Among the most notable examples are:
- Midway International Airport in Chicago, Illinois: Originally known as Chicago Municipal Airport, Midway was significantly expanded and modernized under the WPA, transforming it into one of the busiest airports in the world.
- Dock Street Theatre in Charleston, South Carolina: This historic theater, originally built in 1736, was meticulously restored by the WPA, preserving its architectural splendor and ensuring its continued use as a cultural venue.
- Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California: Perched atop Mount Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory offers breathtaking views of the Los Angeles Basin. The WPA played a crucial role in the construction of the observatory, which has become a beloved landmark and a center for public education in astronomy and science.
- Timberline Lodge in Oregon’s Mount Hood National Forest: This majestic lodge, constructed from local materials by skilled WPA workers, stands as a testament to the agency’s commitment to craftsmanship and its ability to create enduring structures that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings.
- River Walk in San Antonio, Texas: The River Walk, a network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River, was transformed by the WPA into a vibrant urban oasis, attracting tourists and providing a unique public space for residents to enjoy.
Nurturing the Arts
Recognizing the importance of culture and the arts, the WPA also extended its reach to support artists, musicians, writers, actors, and directors. The agency established several arts-related projects, including:
- Federal Art Project: This project provided employment for artists, who created murals, sculptures, and other works of art for public buildings and spaces.
- Federal Music Project: This project supported musicians, who performed concerts, taught music classes, and documented American folk music traditions.
- Federal Theatre Project: This project employed actors, directors, and playwrights, who produced plays and theatrical performances across the country.
- Federal Writers’ Project: This project employed writers, who created guidebooks, oral histories, and other literary works that documented American life and culture.
These projects not only provided employment for artists and cultural workers but also enriched the cultural landscape of the United States, leaving behind a treasure trove of artistic and literary works that continue to inspire and inform.
A Legacy of Documentation
In addition to its physical accomplishments, the WPA also generated a vast collection of documents, including written histories, oral histories, guidebooks, fine prints, plays, posters, photographs, and architectural histories. These documents provide invaluable insights into the lives, experiences, and perspectives of Americans during the Great Depression. Many of these documents are now preserved in the collections of the Library of Congress, ensuring that they will be available for future generations to study and appreciate.
The End of an Era
As the United States geared up for World War II, the economic landscape began to shift. The worker shortage created by the war effort led to a decline in unemployment, diminishing the need for the WPA’s work relief programs. In June 1943, the agency was officially discontinued, marking the end of an era.
A Lasting Impact
Despite its relatively short lifespan, the WPA left an indelible mark on the United States. During its eight years of operation, the agency employed more than 8.5 million people, who worked on 1.4 million public projects. The WPA’s accomplishments extended far beyond mere job creation, encompassing the transformation of the nation’s infrastructure, the preservation of its cultural heritage, and the documentation of its history.
The WPA stands as a testament to the power of government intervention to address economic crises and improve the lives of its citizens. Its legacy continues to inspire and inform policymakers today, reminding us of the importance of investing in public works, supporting the arts, and providing opportunities for all Americans to contribute to the economic and social well-being of the nation.