Further Content Exploration

The New Deal programs were designed to provide relief to those hardest hit by the Depression. Carbon Hill, a coal mining town in northern Alabama, was on the brink of economic disaster when its civic leaders decided to pursue sources of funding provided by the New Deal's Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Public Works Administration (PWA). You will now have the opportunity to explore this case study in how the federal government became involved in efforts on a very local level during a national crisis.

Carbon Hill is just one example of the federal government's efforts during the Depression. You will now conduct your own research to find other examples of how the federal government expanded under the New Deal programs.

Select four or five WPA or other New Deal projects from the Readings to research. You can select any variety of projects that interest you, however you must include both white-collar and blue-collar work. You may want to research local New Deal projects that are relevant to students in your area. For each project, write a one-paragraph summary. Then, discuss the following questions with your colleagues or reflect on them in your journal.

1. What is the responsibility of the federal government during a time of crisis like the Great Depression?
2. Were the federal works projects the best remedy for the country's economic situation?
3. Was the government's New Deal action responsible for solving the crisis, or was it ultimately "solved" as a result of the United States' entrance into WWII? Defend your answer.