Short Essay 3: The Great Depression: Redefining the Role of Government Due Octob

Short Essay 3: The Great Depression: Redefining the Role of Government
Due October 28th 2024
The Great Depression profoundly altered the lives and livelihood of virtually every American no matter their economic class. Some, like much of the upper classes, maintained their lifestyles to a great degree. The grown Middle Classes mostly maintained their status although many did experience privation. The vast population of working-class Americans, including native born whites, migrant blacks moving north, farmers and factory workers, immigrants, and women, however, bore the brunt of the most painful impacts of the Great Depression. The Great Depression forced Americans to consider, and reconsider, what they believed the relationship was and should be between citizens and the Government. The traditional view of this relationship was that of Herbert Hoover’s maintenance of laissez-faire policies of minimal government interference and activism. Franklin Roosevelt, running for the presidency in 1932 during the depth of the Depression however, campaigned on a platform of government action and direct intervention. These two views lay at the heart of how Americans view themselves and their government.
For this assignment I am asking you to read and evaluate speeches by Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt that illustrate two sets of beliefs about what Americans during the Great Depression thought the role of government was or should be.
Readings
Review American Pageant, ch. 31
Review the presentation from Oct. 21, Week 6 Roaring into the 20 Century:
From Charlestons to Soup Kitchens
Read the documents in American Spirit, chapter 31, “Herbert Hoover
Clashes with Franklin Roosevelt,” and “Appraising Hoover,” pp. 601-607
(Required)
The Question I am asking you to consider: Using the readings and information you’ve read regarding the Great Depression, what is the relationship between citizens and their government?
As part of your introduction, briefly summarize what the Great Depression was; why it occurred, when it started. Since I’m asking you to ultimately take a position on a specific issue, please try to create an argumentative thesis to end your introduction that tells me what it is you are going to argue.
For the main body of this essay, summarize, compare, and contrast Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt’s views on the role, functions and obligations of the Government during a severe Depression in areas including Public versus Private utilities, government intervention in business activities, the question of “Balanced Budgets versus Humanity” and finally Roosevelt’s “Welfare Statism” versus Hoover’s “New Frontiers.”
In your conclusion, summarize you understanding and thoughts on the role and relationship between citizen and state. Consider: What do you expect from the State, that is, the government whether it is the local city, county, state, or federal government. What do you want the State to do? On the flip side, are you obligated to certain actions and activities towards the State?
Finally, given that we are currently emerging from a recession and the charged and partisan political state we are in, are we still debating the basic question of expectations and obligations?
Short Essay 3: The Great Depression: Redefining the Role of Government
Due October 28th 2024
Grading
1. The usual
Turned in on time
Spelling, grammar, word choices
Structure and organization
Do you establish an argumentative thesis and argue that thesis throughout your paper? How well do you tell your story?
Citations
Look…I don’t know how else to say this, but you are required to include citations to the sources you are using AND you are required to include a Works Cited page.
I’ve given plenty of leeway on this but from here on out: If you do not include BOTH in-text citations and a works cited page you will receive a 0 for the assignment. Not only this assignment but all remaining assignments for this class. If you have questions or need clarification, please contact me through email and I can explain things in more detail.
4. Sources
a. You must use the material provided in the American Spirit, p. 601-607 noted above. This is a requirement for this assignment.
please make sure to use APA format and should be 5 pages all together including the title page and work cited
Make sure to write everything in your own words and don’t copy anything from the internet