IN CLASS: Film—“The Reckless Years” (viewing guide attached)
Assignment 1: (Due 11/18) Read attached article "The Recession Obsession." In addition, without using a dictionary, define as many of the terms below as you can, to the best of your ability
-Bankruptcy
-Business cycle
-Capitalism
-Laissez faire
-Mixed economy
-Controlled economy
-Deficit financing/deficit spending
-Depression
-Distribution of wealth
-Exchange rate
-Federal Reserve System
-Income support
-Gold standard
-Recession
-Reparations
-Speculation
-Tariff
-Entitlements
IN CLASS: READ in Green Photocopy Herbert Hoover’s “Rugged Individualism” speech (pp. 164-7). As we discuss, take notes on the following:
- According to Hoover, what are the elements that made the American system unique?
- What happened in the US during WWI that Hoover thought must not happen in times of peace?
- What policies did the Republican Party pursue during the 1920s that Hoover supports?
- What proposals were made during the 1928 campaign that Hoover opposed? Why did he oppose them?
- What did Hoover think would be the effects of the central government operating a commercial business?
- Explain the following statement: “Economic freedom cannot be sacrificed if political freedom is to be preserved.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
- What did Hoover think is the proper role for federal government in American economic life?
- Did Hoover believe that the US ought to be a “free-for all and devil-take-the-hindmost” society?
- On what personal convictions did Hoover base his political convictions?
B. The Great Depression
Assignment 2: (Due 11/24) READ in Green Photocopy the filmstrip text (pp. 201-204), and the attached articles, "The Crash Oct. 29."and "The End of Prosperity?" ANSWER the following questions in your own words:
- How were the following groups faring before the 1929 crash:
- Farmers
- Manufacturers and small businessmen
- Workers
- Consumers
- Investors
- African Americans
- Describe the economic and psychological effects of the Great Depression on those groups.
- Is the current crisis a 21st century version of the Great Depression? What are the common elements in the two crises? What lessons should we have learned from the 1930s?
Assignment 3: (Due 12/1) READ in Brinkely, Chapter 25 up to “The Ordeal of Herbert Hoover.” Take notes on the following questions.
- List and explain the factors the text identifies as having been principally responsible for the Great Depression?
- Why were the farmers in the South and the Midwest particularly hard hit by the Great Depression? What were the results?
- What did the Great Depression mean to typical Americans in terms of their standard of living and life style? Who suffered most? How did basic American social and political values stand up to the economic crisis?
- Analyze the impact of the depression on American popular culture as well as serious artistic expression.
- Discuss the relative strengths and limits of American radicalism in the 1930s.
IN CLASS: The Bonus Army
- Who were the Bonus Marchers? What did they want?
- In your opinion, should the bonus have been paid?
- What was the significance of this incident for the nation? For Hoover?
IN CLASS: Election of 1932. American Spirit, pp. 301-309 . See attached chart
C. The New Deal
Assignment 4: (Due 12/8) READ in Brinkley, Chapter 26 to “New Deal in transition” attached document, and attached article "FDR's handling of Turbulent Transition." ANSWER the following in your own words:
- In the beginning, FDR said, “Try something. If it works, keep doing it. If it doesn’t, try something else.” Which programs and policies of FDR’s First New Deal “worked” and which did not?
- Which of FDR’s New Deal programs illustrate his willingness to experiment with bold, innovative ideas? Which of his actions show his hesitation and attachment to conventional values? (document)
IN CLASS: READ in Green Photocopy, pp. 210-212 and fig. 8.2, p. 213. ANSWER:
- Why was it a mistake for Hoover to raise taxes?
- What was John Maynard Keynes’ approach to the Great Depression?
- How did the New Deal exemplify Keynes’ approach?
Assignment 5: (Due 12/10) READ in Brinkely, the rest of Chapter 26 and the attached document. ANSWER the following in your own words:
- What forces caused FDR to launch his Second New Deal in 1935? How did he steal the thunder from his most vocal opponents?
- Explain the concept of the “broker state.” Who benefited most and who benefited least from the New Deal?
- Who were the conservatives who opposed the New Deal? What was the basis for their opposition? (Document)
- Compare the impact of the New Deal on African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans with its consequences for white Americans.
- It has been argued that WWII, not the New Deal ended the Great Depression. By analyzing the overall political and economic results of the New Deal, assess this argument.
- What specific programs and general approaches formed the important political legacy of the New Deal?
- Analyze FDR’s strengths and weaknesses as a politician. Was he a successful president? Explain.
IN CLASS: Relief, Recovery and Reform in the Current Crisis
Assignment 6: Opinions on taxation vary greatly. Interview 2 taxpayers. What are their opinions on the fairness of income, sales and property taxes, social security, Medicare, Capital Gains, federal excise and Estate/Gift tax. If possible, interview people of different ages/generations (like a parent and a grandparent). Write down the answers and bring them to class. If you are unsure about what the taxes are, you can research them online.
IN CLASS: The Four Freedoms (Green photocopy, pp. 246-249).
