Franklin D. Roosevelt Creates the Works Progress Administration: Helping America During Tough Times on May 6
May 6 is a hopeful day in U.S. presidential history — it's when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order in 1935 creating the Works Progress Administration (WPA)!
During the Great Depression, many people had no jobs and families struggled to buy food or pay for homes. President Roosevelt wanted to help by creating jobs through the New Deal programs. The WPA hired millions of Americans to build roads, schools, parks, bridges, airports, and even make art, plays, and books! It gave people work, pride, and money to support their families while making the country stronger with better places to live and learn.
Over 8 million people worked for the WPA — that's like the population of a big state today! It helped end the Depression and left behind thousands of buildings and parks we still use.
If you're learning about the Great Depression, how presidents help during hard times, or cool projects like building parks and schools, this May 6 event is a great one to know. Let's dive into the kid-friendly story!
Who Was Franklin D. Roosevelt? Quick Bio for KidsFranklin Delano Roosevelt (called FDR) was the 32nd President of the United States (1933–1945). He came from a rich family in New York but cared a lot about people who were poor or sick. He got polio as a grown-up and used a wheelchair, but he never let it stop him from smiling and leading!
FDR is famous for:
- The New Deal — lots of programs to create jobs and help during the Great Depression.
- "Fireside Chats" — friendly radio talks where he spoke to families like a neighbor.
- Leading America through most of World War II with strong words like "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
- Being elected four times (the only president to do that — now presidents can only serve two terms).
What Happened on May 6, 1935?
- President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 7034 to start the WPA.
- It was part of his big plan to get America working again.
- The WPA hired artists to paint murals in schools, writers to make guidebooks for states, and musicians to play concerts for free.
- Workers built or fixed over 650,000 miles of roads, 125,000 buildings, and 8,000 parks!
- It gave hope to families and helped the country feel stronger.
Fun Facts About FDR and May 6 for Kids
- FDR's voice was so friendly on the radio that people felt like he was talking just to them!
- The WPA made posters, plays, and even puppet shows — they helped kids have fun and learn too.
- FDR had a special pool built in the White House so he could swim for exercise.
- His dog Fala got so famous that he received his own mail!
- Many parks and schools you visit today were built by WPA workers — look for old plaques that say "WPA"!
What do you think? Would you like to build a park or paint a mural like WPA workers? Or want to learn more about FDR's funny dog Fala?
