Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Developed during the first hundred days of New Deal legislation and signed on May 18, 1933, the TVA allowed the government to hire workers in one of the poorest regions in the country, Tennessee Valley. The workers were hired to construct dams, operate electric power plants, handle flooding and erosion, and to produce fertilizer. This corporation sold electricity to the denizens of the area for rates much cheaper than the previous private company. The TVA also provided environmental reform in the way of flood control, reforestation, farm land improvement, and aid to industrial and agricultural development. The purpose of this agency was to provide jobs, improve the environment, and provide affordable electricity. It succeeded in creating dams that provided the inexpensive electricity, and introduced new farming methods that did not completely destroy the earth.
The TVA was originally run by three members, who had differing views. Arthur Morgan wanted to build a partnership between government and business, and eliminate poverty. He was later fired by FDR. Harcourt Morgan did not like government interference and defended southern commercial farmers. David Lilienthal wanted the TVA to compete with private companies. Senator Norris was the person who originally wanted to create the TVA, but the plan was rejected by Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover.
The TVA was a very successful agency. It faced opposition and most of the court cases concerning with the TVA dealt with the issue of government involving itself in the public utilities industry. It also faced opposition from private electrical companies who did not want to compete with the TVA’s cheap prices. The TVA survived all of this hostility and is still a leading power provider. It is in fact one of the largest public power companies, providing inexpensive electricity. It has provided work for nearly 13,000 people, and supports green energy. TVA was one of more successful agencies created during the Great Depression.
1. Purpose: Hire workers in poorest region in US, Tennessee Valley to work on conservation projects. Also provided affordable electricity. Reform(conservative projects) and relief (jobs) and recovery (electricity to rural farmers)
2. Still surviving today, as public company selling affordable, green electricity.
Sources:
USH: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination
No comments:
Post a Comment