Final answer:
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a significant federal jobs program during the Great Depression, providing employment to millions across various sectors. Some individuals, however, might have chosen not to work for the WPA due to low wages, inefficiencies, political manipulations, and discriminatory hiring, which were among the criticisms of the program.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a federal jobs program created in 1935 during the United States' Great Depression. It aimed to provide employment for those who could not find jobs during the economic downturn and was part of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives. The WPA employed over 8 million people in various capacities, from constructing buildings and roads to engaging in artistic projects through the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP). Programs under the WPA, such as the Federal Writers Project, played significant roles in supporting literature, the humanities, and preserving history.
While the WPA did provide jobs for many, some individuals, like Mr. Cunningham, might have refused to work for it for various reasons. One common criticism of the WPA was that it paid lower wages, which could deter experienced workers. Additionally, the WPA was sometimes seen as inefficient due to its workers taking their time on projects due to fears of unemployment upon completion, leading some to nickname the program "We Putter Around." Also, there were allegations that the program was used politically, with jobs and contracts often controlled by the Democratic Party. This political taint and the demand for kickbacks could have been dissuasive for some potential workers. Lastly, there were discriminatory hiring practices which could have been excluding for some groups of people.