<P> Unemployment ended with war production for World War II, as millions of men joined the services, and cost - plus contracts made it attractive for companies to hire unemployed men and train them . </P> <P> Concluding that a national relief program was no longer needed, Roosevelt directed the Federal Works Administrator to end the WPA in a letter December 4, 1942 . "Seven years ago I was convinced that providing useful work is superior to any and every kind of dole . Experience had amply justified this policy," FDR wrote: </P> <P> By building airports, schools, highways, and parks; by making huge quantities of clothing for the unfortunate; by serving millions of lunches to school children; by almost immeasurable kinds and quantities of service the Work Projects Administration has reached a creative hand into every county in this Nation . It has added to the national wealth, has repaired the wastage of depression, and has strengthened the country to bear the burden of war . By employing eight millions of Americans, with thirty millions of dependents, it has brought to these people renewed hope and courage . It has maintained and increased their working skills; and it has enabled them once more to take their rightful places in public or in private employment . </P> <P> Roosevelt ordered a prompt end to WPA activities to conserve funds that had been appropriated . Operations in most states ended February 1, 1943 . With no funds budgeted for the next fiscal year, the WPA ceased to exist after June 30, 1943 . </P>

How did the works progress administration affect society during the great depression