Question

Frances Perkins gained prominence during the Great Depression by
(A) photographing the plight of the urban and rural poor in the midst of
the Depression
(B) criticizing New Deal policies as a member of the American Liberty
League
(C) becoming the fi rst African-American to hold a cabinet position
(D) becoming the fi rst woman to hold a cabinet position
(E) performing in front of the Lincoln Memorial after being refused at
Constitution Hall

Answer 1

Frances Perkins Wilson gained prominence during the Great Depression by becoming the first woman appointed to the U.S. Cabinet. She was the U.S. Secretary of Labor, from 1933 to 1945 (the longest serving in that position). She was a friend and loyal supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt and helped pull the labor movement into the New Deal coalition. She executed many aspects of the New Deal, including the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Public Works Administration, and the labor portion of the National Industry Recovery Act.