A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Which administration was responsible for constructing dams and providing jobs in the Tennessee Valley region?

1. National Recovery Administration

2. Civilian Conservation Corps

3. Reconstruction Finance Corporation

4. Tennessee Valley Authority

The correct answer is: Tennessee Valley Authority

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was established in 1933 as part of the New Deal programs initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The TVA was tasked with addressing the severe economic problems in the Tennessee Valley, a region significantly impacted by the Great Depression. Its primary goals included the construction of dams and the development of hydroelectric power to provide both electricity and irrigation, ultimately aiming to modernize the region's economy. The TVA not only focused on infrastructure such as dams but also played a crucial role in creating jobs for the local population, thereby stimulating economic development and improving living conditions. It provided employment opportunities while simultaneously addressing issues like flood control and soil conservation. By developing resources and infrastructure, the TVA focused on the holistic improvement of the Tennessee Valley, leading to long-term benefits for its residents. In contrast, while the National Recovery Administration aimed to stimulate economic recovery through fair practices, the Civilian Conservation Corps focused on environmental conservation and job creation in national parks and forests rather than specific regional development. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation primarily provided financial support to struggling banks and businesses rather than directly creating jobs through large-scale infrastructure projects. Thus, the TVA stands out for its specific mission to transform the Tennessee Valley through job creation and dam construction.