What did the Reconstruction Finance Corporation do?
Matthew Underwood
Published Jan 20, 2026
Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC), U.S. government agency established by Congress on January 22, 1932, to provide financial aid to railroads, financial institutions, and business corporations.
Why did Hoover’s Reconstruction Finance Corporation fail?
At the end of December 1929, there were 24,633 banks in the United States. The vast majority of these banks were small, serving small towns and rural communities. These small banks were particularly susceptible to local economic difficulties, which could result in failure of the bank.
Why did the Reconstruction Finance Corporation RFC fail?
The publication of the identity of banks receiving RFC loans, which began in August 1932, reduced the effectiveness of RFC lending. Bankers became reluctant to borrow from the RFC, fearing that public revelation of a RFC loan would cause depositors to fear the bank was in danger of failing, and possibly start a panic.
What was the purpose of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation?
Reconstruction Finance Corporation. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) was a government corporation in the United States between 1932 and 1957 that provided financial support to state and local governments and made loans to banks, railroads, mortgage associations, and other businesses.
What was the purpose of the War Finance Corporation?
The RFC was an independent agency of the United States government, and fully owned and operated by the government. The idea was suggested by Eugene Meyer of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, recommended by President Hoover, and established by Congress in 1932. It was modeled after the War Finance Corporation of World War I.
Why did the RFC loan money to Chicago?
The RFC loans $90 million to the Central Republic Bank of Chicago in an effort to avoid a collapse of the banking system. With banks closed in New York City and Chicago, Franklin D. Roosevelt takes the oath of office as 32nd President of the United States and in two days declares a national bank holiday.
What was the purpose of the National Credit Corporation?
Pushing his reliance on voluntary action by industry, he created the National Credit Corporation (NCC). This private corporation made up of leading banks would increase the availability of loans to other corporations so that they could continue to operate without dismissing more employees.