By Kent Brooks
July 12, 2024
In the annals of American economic history, few figures stand as prominently as Dr. Rexford Guy Tugwell. Known as one of the principal architects of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, Tugwell’s vision and reforms left an indelible mark on the nation during one of its most challenging periods.
In August 1936, Dr. Tugwell visited Baca County, Colorado, the heart of the Dust Bowl, to witness firsthand the devastating effects of severe drought and poor agricultural practices. The region, known as the Dust Bowl capital, was a stark representation of the ecological and human crises gripping the Great Plains. Tugwell’s visit underscored his commitment to understanding the plight of American farmers and reinforced the urgency of the New Deal’s agricultural reforms. His experiences in Baca County influenced his advocacy for sustainable farming practices and soil conservation efforts.
Born on July 10, 1891, in the small town of Sinclairville, New York, Tugwell’s early life was marked by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a deep sense of social justice. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Ph.D. in Economics, a foundation that would serve him well in his future endeavors.
Tugwell began his career in academia, teaching economics at several esteemed institutions, including Columbia University. His academic work brought him into the orbit of like-minded reformers, and it was here that he began to develop his ideas about economic planning and the role of government in stabilizing the economy.
His academic prowess and innovative thinking caught the attention of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was then the Governor of New York. When Roosevelt ascended to the presidency in 1933, Tugwell became a key member of his “Brain Trust,” a group of advisors tasked with crafting policies to lift America out of the Great Depression.
As Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, Tugwell was instrumental in shaping policies that aimed to revive the agricultural sector. He believed in the necessity of federal intervention to stabilize prices and support struggling farmers. His ideas, although controversial, laid the groundwork for several New Deal programs.
Perhaps his most significant contribution came as the head of the Resettlement Administration, a New Deal agency created to combat rural poverty. Under Tugwell’s leadership, the agency sought to relocate impoverished urban and rural families to planned communities where they could achieve self-sufficiency. While the program faced numerous challenges and criticisms, it represented a bold attempt to address the root causes of economic disparity.
In 1941, Tugwell’s commitment to public service took him to Puerto Rico, where he served as Governor. His tenure was marked by a series of ambitious reforms aimed at modernizing the island’s economy and improving living conditions for its residents. Tugwell’s efforts in Puerto Rico are still remembered for their far-reaching impact on the island’s development.
Throughout his career, Tugwell was a staunch advocate for central economic planning. He believed that the government had a crucial role to play in regulating the economy to prevent the excesses that had led to the Great Depression. His ideas often put him at odds with more conservative elements within the government and business communities, but his conviction never wavered.
After his time in government, Tugwell continued to contribute to public discourse through his writings and lectures. His works explored the complexities of economic policy and the ongoing struggle for social justice. Tugwell passed away on July 21, 1979, but his legacy lives on through the policies and institutions he helped to create.
Dr. Rexford Guy Tugwell’s life and work remain a testament to the power of visionary thinking and dedicated public service. His contributions to the New Deal and his efforts to promote economic equality continue to inspire generations of policymakers and reformers. As the nation faces new economic challenges, Tugwell’s legacy offers valuable lessons in the pursuit of a fair and just society.
The following are scenes from Roosevelt’s Drouth Committee visit to Springfield Colorado in August of 1936.
Library of Congress Photo References:
Rothstein, Arthur, photographer. The President, Dr. Tugwell, and Dr. Alexander at Greenbelt, Maryland. Nov. Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2017761246/>.
Rothstein, Arthur, photographer. Dr. Tugwell confers with farmer on lawn of courthouse. Springfield, Colorado. United States Springfield Baca County Colorado, 1936. July-Aug. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017761040/.
Rothstein, Arthur, photographer. Dr. Tugwell talks with farmers at Springfield, Colorado. Baca County Springfield Colorado United States, 1936. July-Aug. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017761039/.
Rothstein, Arthur, photographer. Meeting on courthouse steps. Baca County, Colorado. Drought committee. United States Baca County Colorado, 1936. July-Aug. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017761037/.
Rothstein, Arthur, photographer. Drought committee meeting with farmers. Springfield, Colorado. Colorado United States Springfield Baca County, 1936. July-Aug. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017761036/.
Rothstein, Arthur, photographer. Meeting on courthouse steps. Baca County, Colorado. Drought committee. Colorado United States Baca County, 1936. July-Aug. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017761038/.