Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: FDR launches Tennessee Valley Authority for recovery

5/18/2026

40 3

Summary

Story summary

On May 18, 1933 President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Tennessee Valley Authority Act, creating a federally owned utility to generate electricity, control floods, and modernize infrastructure across the Tennessee Valley—an area devastated by the Great Depression. The TVA aimed to jump-start regional economic development and improve living standards.

1 of 1

Story summary

On May 18, 1933 President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Tennessee Valley Authority Act, creating a federally owned utility to generate electricity, control floods, and modernize infrastructure across the Tennessee Valley—an area devastated by the Great Depression. The TVA aimed to jump-start regional economic development and improve living standards.