A Level History - America - Practice Exam

What did the Civilian Conservation Corps primarily target in terms of employment?

1. Mexican laborers

2. Unskilled workers over the age of 30

3. White men aged 18-25

4. Women of all ages

The correct answer is: White men aged 18-25

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) primarily targeted young, unemployed, and unskilled white men aged 18 to 25 for employment opportunities. Established in 1933 during the Great Depression, one of its main goals was to provide work and skill development for this demographic, aiming to alleviate the severe unemployment rates of the era. The CCC offered young men jobs centered around natural resource conservation, including tree planting, flood control, and development of national parks, which not only helped the economy but also brought about substantial environmental benefits. Other groups, such as women and older workers, were largely excluded from the CCC's programs, partly due to the societal norms of the time that emphasized men's roles as breadwinners and providers. Therefore, the initiative focused specifically on young men, ensuring they could gain experience and support their families while contributing to national recovery efforts.