Resettlement Administration

Resettlement Administration
en:Bernarda Bryson Shahn · Public domain · source
Agency name	Resettlement Administration
Formed	1935
Dissolved	1937
Superseding	Farm Security Administration
Jurisdiction	United States
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Parent agency	United States Department of Agriculture
Key people	Rexford Tugwell, Franklin D. Roosevelt

Resettlement Administration. The Resettlement Administration was a New Deal agency established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935 to help farmers and rural communities affected by the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. The agency was led by Rexford Tugwell, a close advisor to President Roosevelt, and worked closely with other agencies such as the Federal Emergency Relief Administration and the Works Progress Administration. The Resettlement Administration played a crucial role in implementing President Roosevelt's vision for rural development and poverty reduction, as outlined in the National Industrial Recovery Act and the Agricultural Adjustment Administration.

● Introduction

The Resettlement Administration was created to address the widespread poverty and displacement of farmers and rural communities during the Great Depression. The agency's primary goal was to provide assistance to farmers who had been forced to leave their land due to the Dust Bowl and other economic factors, and to help them resettle in more productive areas. The Resettlement Administration worked closely with other agencies, such as the Soil Conservation Service and the United States Department of Agriculture, to implement programs aimed at soil conservation, irrigation, and rural development. The agency also collaborated with state governments, such as California, Texas, and Oklahoma, to provide relief to affected communities.

● History

The Resettlement Administration was established in 1935, during the second year of President Roosevelt's first term. The agency was created through an executive order, which authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a new agency to oversee rural rehabilitation and resettlement programs. The Resettlement Administration was initially funded with $50 million, which was allocated from the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act. The agency's early work focused on providing emergency relief to farmers and rural communities affected by the Dust Bowl, and on developing programs to promote soil conservation and rural development. The Resettlement Administration worked closely with other agencies, such as the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Rural Electrification Administration, to implement these programs.

● Organization and Structure

The Resettlement Administration was headed by Rexford Tugwell, who served as the agency's administrator. The agency was organized into several divisions, including the Division of Rural Rehabilitation, the Division of Resettlement, and the Division of Subsistence Homesteads. The Resettlement Administration also had a number of regional offices, which were responsible for implementing programs at the local level. The agency worked closely with other federal agencies, such as the United States Department of the Interior and the United States Department of Labor, to coordinate its efforts. The Resettlement Administration also collaborated with non-governmental organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, to provide relief to affected communities.

● Programs and Initiatives

The Resettlement Administration implemented a number of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting rural development and poverty reduction. One of the agency's most notable programs was the Subsistence Homesteads program, which provided funding for low-income families to purchase small farms and establish self-sufficient homesteads. The Resettlement Administration also implemented programs to promote soil conservation, such as the Soil Conservation Service's Shelterbelt program, which aimed to reduce soil erosion and promote reforestation. The agency worked closely with other agencies, such as the National Youth Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps, to provide job training and employment opportunities for young people.

● Legacy and Impact

The Resettlement Administration played a significant role in addressing the economic and social challenges faced by rural communities during the Great Depression. The agency's programs and initiatives helped to promote rural development and poverty reduction, and provided relief to thousands of farmers and rural families. The Resettlement Administration's work also laid the foundation for later New Deal agencies, such as the Farm Security Administration and the Rural Electrification Administration. The agency's legacy can be seen in the work of later presidents, such as Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower, who continued to prioritize rural development and poverty reduction.

● Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its successes, the Resettlement Administration faced a number of criticisms and controversies during its operation. Some critics argued that the agency's programs were too focused on rural rehabilitation and did not do enough to address the underlying economic causes of poverty. Others argued that the agency's efforts to promote soil conservation and rural development were too limited and did not have a significant impact on the broader economy. The Resettlement Administration also faced criticism from conservative groups, such as the American Liberty League, which argued that the agency's programs were too expensive and represented an overreach of federal authority. The agency's work was also influenced by the Supreme Court's decision in the Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States case, which limited the federal government's authority to regulate agriculture and commerce.

Category:New Deal agencies