From its beginnings in the spring of 1933 to its close with U.S. entry into World War II, the New Deal significantly impacted the state of Texas. The projects and programs of this federal recovery effort influenced the culture, economy, social structures and politics of the state. In Texas, as in other states, many New Deal programs created their share of disagreements.

The deep and widespread need of the time, however, and the obvious help available from federal dollars overcame most disagreements.

This collection of essays highlights examples of the lasting positive impact of these New Deal projects and programs. In these eleven essays, the writers challenge the current popular views, demonstrating the positive role these federal programs filled in the lives of individuals and the communities in which they lived and worked.