This Day in History: April 10, 1933

Franklin D. Roosevelt Creates Civilian Conservation Corps

On April 10, 1933 President Franklin d. Roosevelt creates the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which was an innovative federally funded organization that gave thousands of Americans jobs during the Great Depression on projects that helped the environment.

FDR created the CCC as part of his administration’s “New Deal” plan for social and economic progress, to help America during its worst economic crisis. The part that FDR liked most about the CCC was that it supported his deep passion, environmental conservation.

The CCC was also known as “Roosevelt’s Tree Army”. It was open to unemployed, unmarried U.S. male citizens between the ages of 18 and 26. All recruits had to be healthy and were expected to perform hard physical labor. Blacks were placed in de-facto segregated camps, even though administrators denied the practice of discrimination.

Enlistment in the program was for a minimum of 6 months; many re-enlisted after their first term. Those were participated received $30 a month, and were also given a supplemental basic and vocational education while they served.

The CCC employees fought forest fires, planted trees, cleared and maintained access roads, re-seeded grazing lands, and implements soil-erosion controls under the guidance of the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture. The CCC also helped to build wildlife refuges, fish-rearing facilities, water storage basin and animal shelters. They also encouraged citizens to get out and enjoy America’s natural resources by building bridges and campground facilities.

From 1933 to 1942, the CCC employed over 3 million men. Of Roosevelt’s many New Deal policies, the CCC is considered by many to be one of the most enduring and successful. The CCC has provided the model for future state and federal conservation programs. Although it was so successful, the Congress discontinued its appropriations for the CCC in 1942 in order to divert the funds to World War II.

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I hope everyone’s weekend went well. My weekend was alright. I had to say goodbye to Emily for 2 months on Saturday. She is heading to Houston until I can get a place that allows her. On Sunday, I spent all day writing a 15-page paper. I am so glad that it is done!

I hope you all have a great week!!

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Related Products


Here we have this Franklin D. Roosevelt Pot Belly box. These handcrafted Pot Belly boxes, designed in Gloucestershire, England, feature presidential caricatures carved into crushed marble bodies. Each boasts hand-painted, "politically correct" details and vivid colors that even Congress would surely approve of. Perfect for storing tiny treasures; great gift, too.