After the disastrous Great Depression struck in 1929, the country was in frantic need of a leader who would stabilize the economy and improve the declining situations of the U.S public. Elected in 1932, Democratic Presidential candidate Franklin D. Roosevelt was the answer to America's economic and social issues. Roosevelt had a concrete plan to end the spread of poverty and create opportunities for the unemployed and disadvantaged. His new policy, "New Deal" was founded on the ideas of recovery, reform and relief. With a supportive Democratic Congress, he was able to pass 15 major legislative acts in the first 100 days in office. Roosevelt's plans were unique in many ways, especially because they called for excessive government spending and involvement. Although Roosevelt's programs were in some cases controversial and unorthodox, he responded appropriately to the disaster. His programs proved to be relatively effective in accomplishing their goals of reviving the economy and helping the people get back on their feet. .
Among all of Roosevelt's many reforms, the most popular were those that gave immediate satisfaction to the unemployed. There were several approaches the New Deal took when helping the jobless. The most obvious of these methods was to create jobs. Roosevelt did this by encouraging the construction of public works as well as work providing organizations. The Civilian Conservation Corps, a relief agency, was created in 1933 when its legislative bill was passed by congress. This bill provided work for young men in order to help them, and even their families. The men's earned wage was split between themselves and their families back home. These men lived and worked in camp, military like, units. They did work which included planting forests and clearing fire breaks. In addition to these corps, the Public Works Administration was created in 1933 under the guidance of Harold Ickes, Secretary of Interior.
