What opposition did the Tennessee Valley Authority face?

• A. Opposition from farmers whose land was flooded and some big businesses who felt the US was moving toward socialism
• B. Widespread support with no opposition
• C. Opposition from urban technicians only
• D. Opposition from foreign governments

Answer: (A)

The opposition to the Tennessee Valley Authority centered on two main concerns: those directly affected by the dam projects and critics worried about government control of industry. Dams and reservoirs flooded farmland and homes in the Tennessee Valley, so farmers and local residents felt displaced and often economically harmed, which sparked protests and resentment. At the same time, some big businesses and private electric utilities argued that a government-run power program represented socialism and unfair competition, threatening private enterprise and market pricing. This combination of displaced farmers and fears about federal overreach explains why opposition emerged. It wasn’t limited to urban technicians or foreign governments.