2 SEPERATE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.

QUESTION 1

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

The decade of the 1920s was a time of great prosperity in America, and the country saw the beginnings of consumerism and social change. When President Hoover was elected in 1928, he foresaw a country with a bright future and did not expect the economic downturn that came shortly after his inauguration.

Discussion questions:

Although the stock market crash in October 1929 is one obvious cause of the Great Depression, there were many underlying causes. What were these, and how did they contribute to the financial decline? What were the major consequences of the Depression? Why do you think it took so long for the government to react?

QUESTIONS 2

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

In Week Three of this class, we discussed American reluctance to become involved in World War I, and this week we identify that same reluctance to enter a European war with Hitler. President Roosevelt initially refused to help Jews fleeing German oppression. In the 1930s, the United States adopted a policy of appeasement toward Germany.

Discussion questions:

Why do you think the United States and its European allies adopted this policy of appeasement?

Pearl Harbor was attacked in December 1941, and the United States entered the war immediately. Do you think America would have entered World War II eventually, even without the attack on Pearl Harbor? Why or why not?

How do you think the bombing of Pearl Harbor affected a future decision to use the atomic bomb on Hiroshima? Do you believe there was a connection? Why or why not?