The Electrification of Rural America

The Electrification of Rural America refers to the movement in the early 20th century to provide electric power to rural areas, which had limited access compared to urban centers. Spearheaded by initiatives like the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) in 1935, this effort aimed to improve living standards, boost agriculture, and foster economic development. Power lines were built to connect farms and villages to the electrical grid, enabling modern appliances, lighting, and irrigation systems. This transformation greatly enhanced quality of life, promoted education, and facilitated growth in rural communities, marking a significant milestone in American infrastructure development.