Question

We have been discussing the New Deal programs that helped the United States deal with the effects of the Great Depression. One of those programs was the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was responsible for the construction of many buildings across the country. For this project, you are to find a WPA project from your area and create a PowerPoint presentation over it. Please search your area first but if you can not find a local project please search all of Arkansas and choose one to research for you project.

Answer 1

Here’s a guide to help you create a PowerPoint presentation about a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in Arkansas. If you can’t find a specific local project, I’ll suggest one that has significance in the state:

Suggested Project: The Arkansas Post National Memorial

Slide 1: Title Slide

• Title: The Arkansas Post National Memorial and the WPA
• Subtitle: A Historical Overview of WPA Contributions in Arkansas
• Your Name
• Date

Slide 2: Introduction to the WPA

• Definition and purpose of the WPA
• Timeline: 1935-1943
• Key facts: Employed millions of Americans and constructed public buildings, roads, and parks.

Slide 3: WPA in Arkansas

• Overview of WPA activities in Arkansas
• Number of projects completed, types of projects (infrastructure, arts, conservation)

Slide 4: Arkansas Post National Memorial

• Introduction to the site:
  • Location: Near Gillett, Arkansas
  • Historical significance: First European settlement in the Louisiana Purchase.

Slide 5: WPA Contributions to Arkansas Post

• Description of the WPA project:
  • Infrastructure improvements (roads, visitor center)
  • Construction of the memorial site
  • Landscaping and conservation efforts

Slide 6: Cultural and Economic Impact

• How the WPA project supported local economies.
• Employment for unskilled laborers and artists.
• Long-term benefits of preserving historical sites.

Slide 7: Legacy of the WPA in Arkansas Post

• Current status of the memorial as a national park.
• Importance of maintaining historical sites.
• Recognition of WPA contributions to American society.

Slide 8: Conclusion

• Summary of WPA's impact in Arkansas.
• Connection to the broader goals of the New Deal in addressing the Great Depression.

Slide 9: References

• List of resources used for the presentation (books, websites, archives).

Tips for Your Presentation:

• Use images of the Arkansas Post National Memorial, WPA construction images, and other related historical photos.
• Include a map to show the location of the National Memorial within Arkansas.
• Consider incorporating quotes from contemporary sources about the WPA’s impact.

Research Resources:

• National Park Service website for Arkansas Post National Memorial.
• State of Arkansas archives for documents on WPA projects.
• Local libraries for historical accounts related to the WPA.

Feel free to adjust the slides and content based on your findings and what resonates with you! Good luck!