Federal Relief Programs

Definition

Federal relief programs were initiatives launched by the federal government during the New Deal era to provide direct assistance to those affected by the Great Depression. These programs aimed at alleviating poverty, creating jobs, and improving living conditions.

Related terms

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA): This act aimed at stabilizing farm incomes by reducing agricultural production through subsidies paid to farmers who agreed not to plant certain crops.

National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA): The NIRA sought to regulate industry practices such as minimum wages and maximum working hours in order to stimulate economic recovery.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA): The TVA was a government agency that built dams on rivers in order to provide electricity and flood control, as well as to promote economic development in the Tennessee Valley region.