Final Answer:
The Second New Deal promoted rural electrification primarily through the Rural Electrification Administration (REA). This initiative aimed to bring electricity to rural areas, a task that private utility companies had largely overlooked due to cost concerns.
The REA provided low-interest loans to cooperatives and public utility districts, enabling them to build electrical infrastructure in underserved rural regions. By doing so, it empowered communities to establish their own electrical systems, significantly improving living standards, agricultural productivity, and overall economic development in these areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Second New Deal, implemented during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency in the 1930s, focused on additional relief and recovery measures during the Great Depression. One significant aspect was the establishment of the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) in 1935. The primary aim of this agency was to address the lack of electricity in rural areas, where private utility companies had been hesitant to extend their services due to the high cost and low expected profits.
The REA provided financial support in the form of low-interest loans to cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and public utility districts. These entities were then able to construct electrical infrastructure, such as power lines and stations, in areas where electricity was previously unavailable. This support allowed rural communities to establish their own electrical systems, reducing isolation, improving living standards, and enhancing agricultural productivity.
The introduction of electricity transformed rural life by enabling access to modern amenities like lighting, refrigeration, and various electric appliances, which greatly improved living conditions and productivity. This electrification initiative was a significant factor in boosting economic development in these regions, leading to improved quality of life and economic opportunities for rural inhabitants.