Question

How did President Hoover attempt to solve the Great Depression?

He forbade banks from foreclosing on properties.
He lowered taxes on corporations.
He rejected federal aid for the unemployed.
He agreed to pay war veterans bonuses.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
President Herbert Hoover's approach to solving the Great Depression involved a mix of strategies, but he is often criticized for his reluctance to provide direct federal aid to individuals. Among the options you listed, the most accurate statement regarding his actions would be:

**He rejected federal aid for the unemployed.**

Hoover believed in limited government intervention and emphasized volunteerism and private charity to address the economic crisis. He did sign some measures to assist businesses and banks, but he was generally opposed to direct federal relief for individuals. His focus was more on supporting the economy and instilling confidence rather than direct aid.

As for the other statements:

- He did not implement a blanket prohibition on foreclosures, and many families lost their homes during the Depression.
- He did not significantly lower taxes on corporations; his administration focused on maintaining fiscal stability and avoiding public deficit spending.
- While he did agree to pay bonuses to World War I veterans, this was a contentious issue, and it was not until after Hoover's presidency that those bonuses were finally paid.

Therefore, the correct answer regarding Hoover's response to the Great Depression would be his rejection of direct federal aid for the unemployed.