WPA Books - The Great Depression

🌾 Farmers on Relief and Rehabilitation - A WPA Study on Agricultural Hardships & Recovery (1937)

"Farmers on Relief and Rehabilitation," published by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1937, provides an in-depth analysis of the social and economic struggles of farm operators and farm laborers during the Great Depression. This comprehensive research monograph examines the extent of rural poverty, the impact of relief programs, and policy recommendations for the long-term recovery of American agriculture.

For teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, this critical document offers primary-source insight into the challenges faced by farming families and the federal government’s attempts to alleviate agricultural distress through relief and rehabilitation programs. It is particularly useful for those researching the history of rural America, economic recovery strategies, and the effects of the New Deal on farmers.

Inventory: An Appraisal of Results of the Works Progress Administration - 1938

The Inventory: An Appraisal of Results of the WPA (1938) is a comprehensive and detailed report showcasing the full scope of public facilities, services, and infrastructure projects undertaken by WPA workers from 1935 to 1937.

With a staggering 150,000 projects completed, this document provides statistical insights, narrative descriptions, and visual documentation of how the New Deal reshaped America during one of its darkest economic periods.

The most fascinating aspect of this report is how it balances data with real-world impact, illustrating how WPA initiatives not only employed millions but also left behind lasting improvements in communities across the nation.

For teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, this document offers a rare and invaluable glimpse into a transformative period in American history.

📖 Rural America in Crisis: The WPA's Study of Families on Relief During the Great Depression

The Great Depression brought unprecedented economic hardship to rural communities, leaving countless farm families, tenant workers, and agricultural laborers struggling to survive. This 1938 WPA Research Monograph XVII, titled Rural Families on Relief, presents an in-depth sociological and economic study of the conditions, challenges, and relief efforts affecting rural America during the 1930s.

For teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, this report is a goldmine of historical data, offering critical insights into:

✅ The impact of economic cycles, drought, and resource depletion on rural families.

✅ How government relief programs shaped rural employment, mobility, and living standards.

✅ The shifting demographics, education levels, and social structures of affected communities.

✅ The different types of rural families—from farm owners to sharecroppers to migratory laborers.

This comprehensive analysis, conducted by Harvard University scholars and WPA social researchers, provides an objective look at the harsh realities faced by rural Americans while highlighting the role of relief efforts in stabilizing these struggling populations.