What was the primary purpose of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA)?

The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) was established during the Great Depression with the primary aim of providing immediate relief to the unemployed and those who were severely affected by the economic crisis. FERA recognized the dire need for assistance as millions of Americans faced unemployment, poverty, and homelessness. This agency sought to distribute federal funds to state and local governments, which in turn provided direct aid in the form of cash payments, food assistance, and work relief programs, allowing struggling citizens to meet their basic needs and help them regain self-sufficiency.

While options related to military funding or promoting economic recovery through infrastructure are relevant to discussions of government interventions in the economy, they do not capture the immediate objective of FERA, which was focused on alleviating the hardships of the most affected individuals during this challenging period. The agency was a key element of the New Deal, emphasizing the government's role in protecting its citizens during a time of unprecedented economic downturn.