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How did the Works Progress Administration help unemployed workers?
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Great Depression
Unemployed men standing in line outside a soup kitchen, Chicago.
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was established in 1935 as a centerpiece of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s "Second New Deal" to provide relief to millions of unemployed Americans during the Great Depression.12
The agency aimed to bolster both the living standards and the self-esteem of struggling citizens by providing jobs rather than simple financial assistance. Over its eight-year existence, the WPA employed approximately 8.5 million people in diverse fields.2
- Construction and Infrastructure: Workers built over 650,000 miles of roads, 125,000 public buildings, 75,000 bridges, 8,000 parks, and 800 airports.2
- Arts and Culture: Through initiatives like the Federal Art Project, Federal Writers’ Project, and Federal Theatre Project, the WPA employed thousands of artists, writers, and actors to create public art, document local history, and organize community theaters.23
- Economic Stimulus: By paying workers monthly wages, the program allowed individuals to spend money on goods and services, thereby stimulating the broader economy.2
While the WPA provided essential support, it is important to acknowledge that the program reflected the prejudices of its time, often discriminating against women, Black Americans, and immigrants in its hiring and placement practices.2