The Great Depression

    1. welfare considerationDespite the trauma of the Great Depression, President Herbert Hoover refused to offer much in the way of government assistance, fearing he might create a welfare state, in which more people would come to depend on government aid for their everyday survival.Was this position heroic or villainous? How much responsibility should the federal government take in guaranteeing its citizens a minimum standard of living? How much is too much? Should we move even further in this direction? Or should we move back to placing more emphasis on the state, local government, or on the individuals, themselves?2.   The Holocaust Did the West (the United States, England, France) do as much as could be reasonably expected during World War II to prevent the extermination of European Jews?3. The Vietnam War Should the U.S. have gotten involved in Vietnam? Once involved, was it a winnable conflict? What could the nation have done differently to have gained a clear victory?4. Here is a recent quote from a major newspaper. Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Why?"The last superpower is unable to defend its borders, protect its currency, police its investments, win its wars, or balance its budget. Medicare and Social Security are headed for the cliff with unfunded liabilities in the tens of trillions of dollars. United States--welcome to third world."