Nicole Cruz
Professor Garver
Philosophy 303
7 May 2014
The Works Progress Administration:
How Federalism Enabled Social Reform Through Art Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” The Works Progress Administration, established by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935, aimed to provide an opportunity for both people and the American economy during a time of great struggle within the United States. What made the Works Progress Administration significant in United States history was the fact that it unintentionally stimulated social reform and progress within American society, even though its main purpose was to create jobs for artists and stimulate economic growth. An analysis of artwork from the Works Progress Administration, reveals that, through the United States’ involvement of creating jobs for artists, social, racial and gender barriers were disseminated, which allowed for progress in American society both economically and socially. After being elected into the presidency in 1932, Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered his New Deal to the American people, which addressed the devastating effects of the Great Depression. A number of bills were passed as part of the New Deal that was meant to alleviate the poverty rate, reduce unemployment, and stimulate economic recovery. Historians consider the Works Progress Administration to be one of the New Deal’s major work relief programs, employing over 8.5 million people nationally. The establishment of the New Deal was significant in the history of our country because it was the first time the United States government took responsibility and assisted the American people through such a tough time. Additionally, the New Deal questioned the role Federalism played in