Which New Deal program focused on large-scale public works and employed millions of workers during the 1930s?

Which New Deal program focused on large-scale public works and employed millions of workers during the 1930s?

• A. Civilian Conservation Corps
• B. Works Progress Administration
• C. Public Works Administration
• D. Social Security Administration

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that during the New Deal, the emphasis was on putting people to work through big public projects. The program that did this on a massive scale and hired millions of workers is the Works Progress Administration. Created in 1935, it funded and directly employed people on a wide range of public works—roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, airports, and even arts and cultural projects—across the country. This direct, nationwide hiring through public projects distinguishes it from other New Deal initiatives. The Civilian Conservation Corps did important conservation work but focused on young men in camps and was smaller in scale. The Public Works Administration funded large projects and often used private contractors rather than employing large numbers of workers directly. The Social Security Administration deals with social insurance programs, not public works employment. So the Works Progress Administration best fits the description of large-scale public works that employed millions.

The main idea is that during the New Deal, the emphasis was on putting people to work through big public projects. The program that did this on a massive scale and hired millions of workers is the Works Progress Administration. Created in 1935, it funded and directly employed people on a wide range of public works—roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, airports, and even arts and cultural projects—across the country. This direct, nationwide hiring through public projects distinguishes it from other New Deal initiatives. The Civilian Conservation Corps did important conservation work but focused on young men in camps and was smaller in scale. The Public Works Administration funded large projects and often used private contractors rather than employing large numbers of workers directly. The Social Security Administration deals with social insurance programs, not public works employment. So the Works Progress Administration best fits the description of large-scale public works that employed millions.