Understanding the Emergency Relief and Construction Act of 1935, part of the New Deal program

Emergency Relief and Construction Act

provided loans to the states for direct relief

The Emergency Relief and Construction Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 8, 1935, as part of his New Deal program. Here are some details about the Act:

1. Purpose: The primary purpose of the Act was to provide relief to American people during the Great Depression. The Act aimed to create jobs in the construction sector, to fund public works projects, and to provide aid to states for the relief of citizens affected by the Depression.

2. Funding: The Act authorized the appropriation of $4.8 billion to carry out its provisions. The funds were allocated to the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which was created under the Act, and other federal agencies for various public works projects.

3. Works Progress Administration (WPA): The WPA was the most significant agency created under the Act. Its mission was to provide jobs to unemployed Americans through public works projects. The WPA employed millions of people and built roads, bridges, schools, and other public infrastructure.

4. Public Works Projects: The Act authorized the construction of public buildings, roads, and bridges. These projects were designed to create employment opportunities and also to improve the country’s infrastructure.

5. Social Security: The Emergency Relief and Construction Act also laid the foundation for Social Security. The Act established a Social Security Board to study the issue of providing retirement benefits to American workers.

In summary, the Emergency Relief and Construction Act was a significant component of the New Deal program, which aimed to provide economic relief to Americans during the Great Depression. It provided funding for public works projects, created jobs through the Works Progress Administration, and laid the foundation for Social Security.

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