Read the excerpt from the interview with E.Y. (Yip) Harburg.

The most accurate reason from the options provided is: Americans realized that business was not immune to failure and could collapse.

The excerpt speaks to a sense of stability and permanence associated with American business and prosperity, which was shattered by the stock market crash. The realization that even seemingly strong and dependable businesses could fail contributed significantly to the loss of confidence in the overall system. The crash revealed vulnerabilities in the economy and the fragility of the prosperity that many had taken for granted, leading to widespread disillusionment.

Read the excerpt from the song, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?”

Say, don't you remember, they called me Al—
It was Al all the time.
Why don't you remember, I'm your pal—
Buddy, can you spare a dime?

The excerpt emphasizes the idea that the problems of the Great Depression
affected all Americans in one way or another.
drove a wedge between people who once were friendly.
brought out the very worst behavior in many Americans.
caused many Americans to experience financial ruin.

The excerpt emphasizes the idea that the problems of the Great Depression affected all Americans in one way or another.

The mention of "they called me Al" and "I'm your pal" suggests a sense of shared experience and camaraderie among Americans who once may have enjoyed prosperity but are now facing hardship together. The plea for help in the form of "Buddy, can you spare a dime?" signifies the broad impact of the economic crisis, highlighting how it touched the lives of many, regardless of their previous status or connections.

Which historical event was the major incentive for Harburg to write the song, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?”
World War I
the Great Depression
World War II
the Korean War

The major incentive for Harburg to write the song “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” was the Great Depression.

The song reflects the disillusionment and hardship experienced by many Americans during this period, particularly those who had contributed to the nation's prosperity through work and service but found themselves in dire financial straits. It captures the feelings of betrayal and loss faced by individuals who once had hopes and dreams that were shattered by the economic downturn.

What effect of the Great Depression is described in the song, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?”
The expanded government regulations used to control banking practices led to abuses in power and a financial collapse.
The stock market crash of 1929 caused extensive losses in financial wealth for individuals in various branches of society.
Due to a lesser demand for food, the production of agricultural goods diminished and farmers struggled to keep their farms.
The men who had built and fed the nation and fought in World War I were abandoned and struggling to survive.

The effect of the Great Depression described in the song “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” is that the men who had built and fed the nation and fought in World War I were abandoned and struggling to survive.

The lyrics of the song convey a deep sense of betrayal and hardship faced by those who had contributed to the country's progress and success, such as laborers and veterans, but were left in difficult circumstances during the Great Depression. The plea for a dime emphasizes their desperate situation, highlighting how they were no longer receiving recognition or support after having worked diligently for the nation.

What led Harburg to write the song, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?”
the biggest bread line in New York City, which was owned and operated by William Randolph Hearst
the realization that the prosperity of the past was completely gone and very unlikely to return
the able-bodied men he saw begging for money and standing in bread lines in the streets of New York
the request President Roosevelt made to Harburg for a catchy and poignant campaign song

What led Harburg to write the song “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” was the able-bodied men he saw begging for money and standing in bread lines in the streets of New York.

The song reflects the stark reality of the Great Depression, illustrating the plight of men who had once contributed to the nation's prosperity but found themselves in desperate situations. The imagery of begging and bread lines captures the widespread suffering and economic hardship of the time, motivating Harburg to articulate these experiences through music.

Which excerpt from the song, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” best emphasizes the idea that average Americans felt abandoned by the wealthy elite and the government?
They used to tell me I was building a dream,
And so I followed the mob—
When there was earth to plow, or guns to bear
I was always there—right on the job.
Once I built a railroad, made it run,
Made it race against time.
Once I built a railroad,
Now it's done—
Say, don't you remember, they called me Al—
It was Al all the time.
Why don't you remember, I'm your pal—
Buddy, can you spare a dime?
Once I built a tower, up to the sun,
Brick, and rivet, and lime,
Once I built a tower,
Now it's done—

The excerpt that best emphasizes the idea that average Americans felt abandoned by the wealthy elite and the government is:

"They used to tell me I was building a dream, / And so I followed the mob— / When there was earth to plow, or guns to bear / I was always there—right on the job."

This part reflects the disillusionment of individuals who worked hard for the promise of a better future, feeling that their contributions were forgotten when they fell on hard times. It highlights the sense of betrayal experienced by those who had dedicated their efforts to building the nation but then found themselves abandoned during the economic crisis.