12 thoughts on “Book Women Blog – Extra Credit”

1. Em Rito May 31, 2024 at 5:42 pm

   The Book Women being one of the many branch offs of the WPA was one of the most impactful programs in the Appalachian Mountains, but there were many more that changed how the US functioned at the time. So, how did the WPA (in and outside of the Book Women) impact people during the Great Depression and was it a useful program and part of the New Deal?

   On top of the literacy that the Book Women brought to the Appalachian Mountains, the WPA led many different programs around the U.S. For example, throughout its eight year existence, the WPA (Works Progress Administration) put over 8.5 million people into a place of employment and had them work on many different public work projects that assisted those who were unable to be employed to the places of employment offered by the WPA. As mentioned in the play, the average working book women at this time got around $28 per month, which was extremely influential to how they lived their lives, at the time, and is roughly $640 for us now. Another well known part of the WPA was that they funded a lot of arts programs, as well, including theater. The WPA created over 4,000 new schools, 130 hospitals, laid 9,000 miles of storm drains/sewers, built 29,000 bridges, 150 airfields, paved/repaired 280,000 miles of road, and planted 24 million trees. The WPA was one of the more well known and successful parts of the relief and recovery parts of FDR’s New Deal and the U.S. wouldn’t have recovered nearly as fast, or at all, if it weren’t for programs like the WPA and others, like the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), CWA (Civil Works Administration, NIRA (National Industrial Recovery Act), and SSA (Social Security Administration.

   As shown in Newsies, as well, the press played an extremely important role in the opinions of people throughout the US’ history. How was Leo Burnet’s article and others among the sorts extremely influential and helpful to programs like the WPA?

   While watching The Post, I was reminded, yet again, just how influential the press’ role was in American history. Articles created based on the WPA helped raise money and awareness to keep the program going and made it possible for people like the book women to keep delivering books to the people of the Appalachian Mountains and made it possible for them to receive new materials for their patrons, as well. Articles and posts like Leo Burnet’s segment on the book women allowed people that were well off to continue the ideologies first introduced in the Gospel of Wealth in funding government public works and improving the U.S. Articles like Burnet’s may be considered some of the more influential of its time and one of the most helpful methods of continuing WPA that we can find.

   As stated in the title, the play Book Women primarily revolves around the working women of the 1930s, but there were many different opinions shared about the idea of working women at the time, even though they were legally supposed to be treated equally since 1920. So, how was the importance of women changing during this time and what viewpoints were changing?

   Since the creation of our nation, the role that women have in the U.S. has been constantly changing, for the better, for the most part. From the Cult of Domesticity, to Republican Motherhood, and then the Peggy Eaton Affair, the right to vote for women, granted by the 19th Amendment in 1920 changed the U.S. the most. Through this, they were also given more government positions and later programs created to help employ as many as possible in times of strife (like the WPA) were branched out to women, as well. Although they were given all these opportunities, more often than not, especially in the south, women were still prejudiced against in the south and ideals were enforced to not work. As shown in Book Women, religious, older, and skeptical people were the most against women working. One of the more memorable characters even cursed out the book women simply because they were working and riding horses to get around. But, the role of women had improved drastically at this time and had brought the U.S. closer to where we are today when it comes to the basic rights of all humans. The change in women’s rights during this time and their placing in the working society was extremely important when looking at the path the U.S. had to take to get to how supportive of females we are today.
2. Corinne May 31, 2024 at 5:54 pm

   1. The WPA was initially not accepted in many of the areas it was instilled in, but eventually came to be an integral part of American life in this era. As seen in the show, the American people had lost much of their hope, money, resources, and even loved ones to the Great Depression. With the introduction of WPA workers such as the book women, however, a little light was brought back into their lives. Reading became a source of inspiration and joy for countless people during this time, and the WPA was the program that made that possible. Additionally, new affinities for reading could help many find jobs and further opportunities in the future as the nation began its path to recovery.

   2. The support of the press was crucial to the success and widespread acceptance of these new programs. Before the Great Depression and Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidency, the government often favored a relaxed, non-involved approach to dealing with national issues. However, with the stock market crash of 1929, the president knew things had to change. This dramatic shift in policy was unprecedented and never before seen, thus making many wary of these “government handouts”, as seen throughout the play. Newspaper reporters such as Leo Burnet helped to ease this worry and publicize the work being done. Publications like Leo’s could even bring in much-needed donations, not unlike the Penny Fund featured in the play.

   3. As the nation escaped WWI and attempted to transition into a new decade, new ideas began to emerge. Women’s right to vote in 1920 was a huge step forward, but it was just the beginning in achieving true equality nationwide. Cultural movements such as the flapper girls took a new, modern approach to feminism and defining women’s role in society. These girls often opted for scandalous fashion, bold attitudes, and even work outside the home. With America’s entrance into the 30s, women were still eager to prove themselves despite the hardships at hand. Entrance into the workforce became even more prominent and necessary at this time, yet still faced backlash from men and women alike, such as Sissy Mae in the beginning of the play. Even more open-minded men such as Leo were only just beginning to realize the potential of women to work. All in all, women began to push their way into the workforce more strongly than ever during this period, and their recognition was only just beginning.
3. Isabela V June 1, 2024 at 10:33 am

   1. The WPA was one of the most impactful programs of the New Deal because it was an attempt to help one of the most pressing issues of the Great Depression – the high unemployment. At the height of the Depression in 1933, 24.9% of the American workforce was unemployed, affecting millions of families. The WPA was an incredibly beneficial program for the 8.5 million who participated, because they were able to not only earn wages to support themselves and their families, but also assist the government in getting the economy up and running again through different initiatives, from infrastructure to education to manufacturing.

   2. Leo Burnet’s article about the Book Women was very important, as it ensured that the Book Women were widely recognized, and it even helped their funding. As one of the characters stated in the play, Leo’s article was sure to help their “penny fund.” Money from these donations went straight to purchases of new books, so Leo’s article was ultimately an instrumental part of getting reading material to the increasing number of Pack Horse Library patrons. In a time where the government could not spend extreme amounts on all of the various reform programs going on due to the struggling economy, donations from individuals were crucial to keep programs like the WPA afloat.

   3. While women were not widely accepted in jobs in the 1930s, it became slightly more socially acceptable for women to work during the Depression because families were struggling, and any source of income was welcomed. This is illustrated in the scene where Della Star tries to convince her sister to join the Book Women. Sissy Mae is hesitant, arguing that her mother never worked, but even their father takes Della’s side, telling Sissy that times are changing and eventually forcing her to become a librarian. Despite the fact that more women were working, they were not always accepted. Leo Burnet shares this stereotype, as he often treats Della and the other Book Women with disrespect. In one scene in particular, Leo expresses his shock that women are working and “actually contributing to society.” Della educates him that women have always been working, even if they have not been recognized as doing so until now, and at the end of the play, Leo leaves with a fuller understanding of the importance of women and the jobs they do. However, real life isn’t always as simple as it is in plays like this one, and viewpoints about women who work are still sometimes prejudiced to this day.
4. Felipe S. June 2, 2024 at 10:10 am

   The Works Progress Administration was a key program of FDR’s New Deal program as shown in the play as it provided jobs for millions of unemployed Americans that lived in delicate conditions and areas such as the appalachians. They helped stabilize many economies as workers used their wages to buy goods and services to help stimulate local economies. The WPA was very successful in its goal to provide some economic relief for millions of desperate Americans and by providing jobs it also helped grow infrastructure in many rural areas like in the Appalachians. The WPA was responsible for the construction and repair of public facilities and infrastructure such as roads, schools, bridges, hospitals and more which in the long-run helped many communities.
   The article by Leo Burnett and other articles in support of the New Deal and its various programs were critical in attaining wide-spread support for them and their goals. In this play, the article by Leo Burnett was very important because it helped spread the word about the Book Women and their cause. Support of the press allowed willing and caring individuals to contribute small or large amounts of money to these programs to help fund them if the government couldn’t do any more than they were already doing.
   The feminine cause had been one of profound staticity where they were forced to watch progress happen around them, but not to them. Women were the second to last suppressed group to gain the basis of legal equality which is the suffrage. Women had become more willing to join the workforce but this didn’t come without any backlash from the older generations who felt that women in the workplace would hurt their interests. In this play, the girl Sissy Mae is hesitant to start working with the Book Women because her mother didn’t work so she didn’t want to either. Her father, however, convinced her to work.
5. Kabir Kapur June 2, 2024 at 12:06 pm

   The Works Progress Administration impacted people greatly during the Great Depression and was a reason that the economy did so well in the Great Depression. The WPA stabilized the economy in many ways, particularly through providing jobs for people. It also improved the lives and living conditions of unemployed people throughout the United States. The Book Women delivering books, magazines, letters, etc. throughout the Appalachian Mountains improved America’s literacy rates and helped people stay educated. The WPA was a useful part of the New Deal because of the way that it made sure that all the benefits of the New Deal were felt throughout every part of the country.
   The press has always been very important in shaping the opinions of the people in the United States. Leo Burnet’s article in the play was extremely influential and helpful to the WPA because it informed the public of how helpful the WPA is. Its goal was to get positive attention for the WPA. The media essentially helped make programs like the WPA accepted and recognized by the people.
   Even though women gained the right to vote in 1920 with the 19th Amendment being ratified, many people still thought women weren’t equal to men and shouldn’t work. However, the importance of women in the society of the time was changing drastically. Women were sometimes needed to make money for the family. With the Great Depression, families needed everyone working to bring in money to support themselves. Additionally, the WPA provided chances for women to work as seen in Book Women. There were people who supported this, such as Leo Burnett, however, many opposed women in the workspace. This is one of the many reasons that women faced discrimination and wage gaps while working the same jobs as men in this time period.
6. Maddie Z June 2, 2024 at 12:41 pm

   The Book Women being one of the many branch offs of the WPA was one of the most impactful programs in the Appalachian Mountains, but there were many more that changed how the US functioned at the time. So, how did the WPA (in and outside of the Book Women) impact people during the Great Depression and was it a useful program and part of the New Deal?
   As seen in The Book Women, the WPA was a new deal program that had great impacts on a broad scale as well as a smaller scale with the role it played in regular people’s lives. Unlike some other New Deal programs, the WPA had a focus on preserving art and culture through the time while providing an opportunity for people to work. This is especially shown through the Pack Horse Librarian project focused on in the show and how literacy was being spread throughout eastern Kentucky. The show represents how important these projects were through showing certain child characters who mention how they do not have enough food to eat and are barely scraping by with major deaths in some families. Despite this, nearly every character expressed hope and joy when the ‘Book Women’ came around to bring them books to read and occupy their time with. Projects like these show how important the WPA was at impacting people by keeping their moral high in a time of desperation.
   As shown in Newsies, as well, the press played an extremely important role in the opinions of people throughout the US’ history. How was Leo Burnet’s article and others among the sorts extremely influential and helpful to programs like the WPA?
   Through both shows, the importance of press during the first half of the 20th century is clear. The press would encourage people to donate to the different programs, increasing the reach they had and the effect they could have on the depression as a whole. The articles also allowed for the knowledge of these programs to become widespread and allow for people who may need the programs to find it. The press also in the case of The Book Women could have helped to boost moral about the dark time and provide hope for people reading it, as well as creating a sense of national unity for those across the country.
   As stated in the title, the play Book Women primarily revolves around the working women of the 1930s, but there were many different opinions shared about the idea of working women at the time, even though they were legally supposed to be treated equally since 1920. So, how was the importance of women changing during this time and what viewpoints were changing?
   The WPA provided jobs to people of all age ranges and genders and allowed for families to have some means of income during the rough time in the depression. While some were more open to this change than others, this provided for every household to find a way to earn money even if there were no working men available. With more women working, some began to find joy in working outside of the home and the impact they were making. This time of women supporting the household can be seen as a precursor to WWII when women worked in jobs where men previously worked in order to fill the demand. Both of these events gradually changed mindsets about women working and led to the society we live in today, where it is often necessary for both caretakers to earn an income outside of the home.
7. DylanB June 2, 2024 at 6:26 pm

   The Works Progress Administration was very impactful during the great depression because it created lots of jobs for over 3 million people in the United States. In addition, because of the increase in workers, the administration led to much more infrastructure like roads, bridges, schools, ect. Moreover, programs like the book women, which took place in the Appalachian mountains helped improve education and literacy. In conclusion, the Works Progress Administration played a very important role in the great depression and was a very effective part of the new deal because it provided more jobs, created more infrastructure, and provided more opportunity for education.

   Leo Burnets article, and other articles like it, were very helpful to the Works Progress Administration, and other new deal administrations. Primarily, articles like Leo Burnets, raised awareness to new deal programs because they raised awareness to the programs and sometimes talked about the success of the programs which helped the public understand why each program was needed. Also, these articles built support for the new deal programs because they talked about the benefits of them. This was important because it ensured the public that the government was trying its ebay to do something against the depression

   The role of women changed heavily in this time period. To start, because of the great depression, many jobs were lost so some families had to rely on the earnings of the women in the house whereas typically, before the 1930s, a man was expected to provide for the family while the women was supposed to care for the children and not work at all. In addition, the WPA employed women in roles that were typically held by men including teachers and nurses. Once again, before this time period, most women were expected to follow the ideals of republican motherhood and not work at all.
8. Ian Whan June 2, 2024 at 9:17 pm

   The WPA was shown with resistance in a lot of the places, where it was put in place, but it eventually became a very important part of American life at this period. As shown in the play, the great depression caused the American people to lose a lot of their hope, money, resources, and even loved ones, due to not being able to afford food. But the arrival of WPA workers, like book women, brought some hope back into people’s lives.

   Having the press was extremely important for people to actually accept the new programs, because before the depression, the government was not exactly on top of dealing with national issues like dealing with the south during reconstruction. But the crashing of the stock market changed things, this was unlike any other panic or recession that had happened before in the US, so things had to change. But with this new and detrimental problem came countrywide panic, but delivering news about changes being made, made people be less stressed and constantly anxious, publications like leos, could also bring in dotations, like Penny in the play.

   Although women were not generally accepted in jobs in the 1930s, the great depression made it a bit more acceptable for women to work because families were desperate for any money at the time. This is shown where Della Star tries to persuade her sister, Sissy Mae, to join the Book Women. Sissy Mae doesn’t really want to, saying that their mother never worked, but even their father supports Della, telling Sissy that times are changing and eventually forcing her to become a librarian. Even with more women going to the workforce, they were still not always accepted. Leo Burnet show this very clearly, treating Della and the other Book Women with disrespect. By the end of the play, Leo leaves with a greater appreciation for the women and their work. But, prejudiced views about working women still persist today.
9. Alexander Chebl June 2, 2024 at 9:19 pm

   1. Because it attempted to address one of the most important problems of the Great Depression—the high unemployment rate—the WPA was one of the most influential New Deal programs. Millions of families were impacted by the 24.9% unemployment rate in the American workforce in 1933, the height of the Depression. For the 8.5 million people who took part, the WPA was a tremendously helpful program because it allowed them to support themselves and their families while simultaneously helping the government revive the economy through a variety of initiatives ranging from manufacturing to infrastructure to education.
   2. Leo Burnet’s article about the Book Women was important since it assisted the women’s funding and made sure they were well-known. Leo’s essay was likely to boost their “penny fund,” as one of the play’s characters said. The proceeds from these donations were used to buy additional books, thus in the end, Leo’s essay played a crucial role in providing reading material to the growing number of Pack Horse Library users. Donations from individuals were essential to the survival of programs like the WPA during a period when the government was unable to spend excessive amounts on all of the different reform efforts that were underway due to the suffering economy.
   3. Although women were not generally accepted in the workforce in the 1930s, during the Depression, as families were having difficulty, it became somewhat more acceptable for women to work. The moment where Della Star tries to persuade her sister to join the Book Women serves as an example of this. Although Sissy May is reluctant and claims that her mother never worked, even their father supports Della, informing Sissy that she will ultimately have to become a librarian because of the changing times. Even though there were more working women, they weren’t always welcomed. This prejudice is shown by Leo Burnet, who frequently shows disregard for Della and the other Book Women. Leo expresses his surprise that women are employed and “actually contributing to society” in a certain moment. After learning from Della that women have always worked, even though it hasn’t been acknowledged until recently, Leo departs the play with a deeper appreciation for women and their contributions to society. Thoughts on working women are still occasionally unfair, actual life isn’t always as straightforward as it appears in plays such as this one.
10. Gabe Macwilliams June 3, 2024 at 8:01 am

    When the Great Depression hit in 1929, many people suddenly had no money. Because of this, the 1920s wave of consumerism ended, and many jobs that emerged because of it were taken away. The unemployment rate was staggeringly high during the Great Depression, so one of FDR’s main goals during the depression was to get people working. To do this, he created many programs, one being the WPA (Works Progress Administration), which provided jobs for millions of unemployed Americans during the Great Depression. It focused on public works projects such as building roads, schools, and parks, as well as supporting the arts through programs for writers, musicians, and artists. The WPA significantly reduced unemployment and boosted the economy by improving infrastructure. It is widely considered successful for its immediate economic impact and lasting contributions to public facilities and cultural heritage.
    Burnet’s article was very important, as it gained money for the Book Women and their cause. In addition, it helped to ease worries about mass public spending, like the Works Progress Administration. In hindsight, it is very easy to see that the WPA was effective in decreasing unemployment, improving infrastructure, and regrowing the economy. However, at the time, many people were speculative, thinking that it was a stupid idea to spend money when the US already had so little. Due to articles like Burnet’s this worry was eased and people in the US became more unified in their opinions.
    During the 1930s, the importance of women in America was increasing as they took on more prominent roles in the workforce and public life, partly due to the economic demands of the Great Depression. Traditional viewpoints were shifting as women proved their capabilities in various fields, including government and industry. This period also saw greater advocacy for women’s rights and labor protections, challenging existing gender norms and expectations.
11. Logan Albritton June 3, 2024 at 9:34 pm

    The WPA, as seen in the Book Women, was not only a means for those women involved to make money for them and families, but it was also incredibly helpful to those who were illiterate and didn’t have easy access to literature. They educated many people throughout their travels and strengthened the call for schooling and literacy in the country. They also helped to set the groundwork for the modern Women’s Rights Movement that started in the 70s. The WPA outside of the Book Women, made millions of jobs for jobless people, and helped to keep them above the poverty line. On top of that, it created better roads and buildings for civilians and businesses. It created a boost for the economy, and therefore brought the U.S. that much further out of the Depression.
    The way people got their news at that point in time was through the press. The newspapers in this distinct period of time were all many could afford, rather than a fancy radio or TV. As we saw in The Post, the freedom of the press and desire for the objective truth is extremely important in the country. Since newspapers were so influential and vital to the spread of information, that’s where ads, such as ones for the WPA, were placed. Then people could see them and apply.
    Misogynistic view points were changing in that women were allowed to work more publicly and outside of the home. Especially because the extra income was needed due to people being monetarily depressed. It became more accepted to see women in the workplace, such as places like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in Chicago. Also, during WW2 women were essential to the United States’ defense industries because all the men were already out at war. That’s where we get such posters as Rosie the Riveter. Women grew their power in this time, and because of this, made themselves inexpendable.
12. Lana O June 6, 2024 at 11:05 am

    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a program that employed millions of Americans during the Great Depression. During times of recession and a need for jobs, the WPA programs allowed many to work when people needed it most. But it didn’t just employ people anywhere, people were hired for projects that aided the public. The construction of many public buildings were made during this time because of the jobs the WPA made. The Book Women program allowed more women to work during this time but also created an impactful program that wasn’t necessarily building or reconstructing. It was a program that promoted literacy for a better future of more literate teens and adults. All these jobs and promotion of a better educated America soon made way to build America back up again.

    The importance of articles like Leo Burnet’s and other news outlets became very necessary during this time. The press made it possible for these programs’ impacts to be recorded and published to the public for them to see. Which in turn made a lot of people start to offer their support to these programs. These articles made the public realize that these programs are impactful and important to the country. It showed how it promotes a better country in the future. Those could offer their support for these programs and others could contribute to these programs with donations. The press made it possible for these programs to reach out to the public and continue when they received donations.

    While legally there was more legislation that contributed to women being equal to men. It didn’t really stop the stigma around working women and women being able to vote. But as society progressed, so did women. Women proved they could work and take care of business during wars, enough so to sustain the country while men were away. With the great depression, families needed more money. So then it made sense for women to get jobs and financially contribute to the family. With new jobs being created, it provided opportunities for women to go and get one. Eventually, many minds changed about women being in the workforce. But it didn’t stop entirely, even with support from many. Even today many women face backlash trying to get jobs in certain workplaces.