Question

As the Great Depression began in 1929, and millions of Americans found themselves in a terrible economic position, President Herbert Hoover was reluctant to involve the government in directly helping people. This decision helped lead to his loss in the presidential election of 1932. Put yourself in Hoover’s shoes—what reasons would he have for being opposed to large-scale government involvement in the economic lives of Americans? What reasons could be given for the government getting involved?

Answer 1

Opposed to government involvement:

America had always been an individualistic nation—government handouts would take away from that.

Hoover believed that the economy would recover on its own.

For government involvement:

Private businesses would not hire people in bad times—government (since it didn’t need to make a profit) could and should get people working and help them out.

Americans were suffering and the national government was the only entity capable of handling such a large problem.

Answer 2

Answer:

Opposed to government involvement:

America had always been an individualistic nation—government handouts would take away from that.

Hoover believed that the economy would recover on its own.

For government involvement:

Private businesses would not hire people in bad times—government (since it didn’t need to make a profit) could and should get people working and help them out.

Americans were suffering and the national government was the only entity capable of handling such a large problem.

Explanation:

Penn foster