Answer: FDR’s quote contributed to the central idea of helping bring about the end of the Great Depression and continuing to shape American economic and political policy today by understanding that this is a serious situation, and that Americans are looking for someone to fix the problem. He takes it upon himself to act quickly in order to get out of the Great Depression and, hopefully, prosper once again as a country. He wants Americans to know that we shouldn’t be worried or scared and we will survive as a nation.
Discussion Questions
6. Do you have any family members who survived the Great Depression? If so, what have you heard about their …show more content…
experience? If not, have you ever heard about this important period in American history in movies, books, or television? How is the period often portrayed?
Answer: Yes, my great-grandmother survived the Great Depression, and told me about her experience.
She shared that her experience was sad and gloomy. Food was sacre, family members lost their jobs, and they didn’t have much in the way of clothing or shoes. She told me that the essentials that we take for granted, she didn’t have during the Great Depression. I have heard about this important period in movies and books, as it is often portrayed as being one of the worst dilemmas in American History.
7. In the context of this article, how can politicians create positive economic change? What can we learn about economic policy during a recession from this text? If you were president during a serious recession, what actions would you take to get your country back on track?
Answer: Politicians can create positive economic changes by working together. Politicians need to make bold moves and laws that allow Americans to support themselves and families through work. I learned that economic policy during the recession impacted the world. FDR had to change policies based on the economy. If I were president during a serious recession, I would want to get the American people together, and come up with effective laws that will get Americans back to work. I would need a strong Congress that is capable of working together to complete the
process.
8. Why do you think Congress amended the Constitution to require that no president serve longer than 2 terms? Do you personally agree with the amendment? Why or why not?
Answer: I think Congress amended the Constitution to require that no president serve longer than 2 terms because it was to allow that no one become too powerful. It was to make sure that the government would stay a democracy and not a monarchy. I agree with the amendment because the people have the capability of bringing in a different perspective, or strategy of how to run the government. There is always a need for change.
9. In the context of this article, how has America changed over time? Can Americans today relate to those that experienced the Great Depression? Why or why not? Do you think America’s economy has improved?
Answer: America has changed greatly over time. First, and foremost, with the use of technology. Technology allows for us to know everyday where our economy stands at the end of each workday. Technology is also used to create more products at a faster pace. We are in constant need for people that have the ability to work in the technology field. I don’t think that people can truly relate to those that experienced the Great Depression because it is an event in history that you had to live through and survive to fully understand the impact. Today, most Americans worry about the things they want, not what they need. Whereas in the Great Depression, the people had to worry about essentials such as food, shelter, jobs, and clothing. I think America’s economy has improved because the majority of Americans have the capability of maintaining a job if they chose to, and are therefore able to provide for themselves and their families. We haven’t had a recurrence with such an impact like the Great Depression.