What was the purpose of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)?

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was established during the Great Depression primarily to provide employment opportunities for young men while simultaneously promoting the conservation and restoration of the nation's natural resources. Launched in 1933 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs, the CCC focused on projects such as planting trees, enhancing parks, building flood barriers, and developing recreational areas, all of which had a positive impact on the environment and helped combat the economic crisis by offering jobs to millions of Americans. This initiative played a significant role in promoting both economic recovery and environmental stewardship during a crucial period in American history.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the CCC's mission. The creation of military jobs during World War II pertains to later programs designed to support the war effort rather than the focus of the CCC. Infrastructure enhancement in urban areas and highway construction were often associated with other New Deal programs, such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Federal Highway Act, but they were not the primary objectives of the CCC.