The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a key agency of the New Deal, established in 1935 during the Great Depression to provide employment for millions of unemployed Americans. The WPA undertook a wide variety of projects aimed at infrastructure improvement and cultural enrichment. Some of the main types of work the WPA did include:
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Infrastructure Projects: The WPA built and repaired roads, bridges, parks, and public buildings. It constructed thousands of miles of highways and streets, as well as airports and stadiums.
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Public Works: The agency worked on projects to enhance public facilities, including schools, libraries, and hospitals, providing essential services to communities.
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Arts and Cultural Programs: The WPA also supported artists, musicians, writers, and actors through the Federal Project Number One, which included the Federal Art Project, Federal Writers' Project, and the Federal Theatre Project. These initiatives aimed to provide jobs and promote American culture.
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Historic Preservation: The WPA undertook efforts to preserve historical sites and artifacts, collecting and documenting American history.
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Education and Research: The Federal Writers' Project published guidebooks about states and cities and helped to document the oral histories of various communities.
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Agricultural Improvements: The WPA engaged in projects aimed at improving agricultural practices and rural development.
The WPA employed millions of Americans during its operation from 1935 until 1943, significantly contributing to the economic recovery of the United States during the Great Depression.