Three or four million heads of families don’t turn into tramps and cheats overnight, nor do they lose the habits and standards of a lifetime…. They don’t drink any more than the rest of us, they don’t lie any more, they’re no lazier than the rest of us…. An eighth or a tenth of the earning population does not change its character which has been generations in the molding, or, if such a change actually occurs, we can scarcely charge it up to personal sin.

Question

—federal relief administrator Harry Hopkins

Which questions would help a reader understand the quotation? Check all of the boxes next to answers that are correct.

Why did Harry Hopkins say what he did?

Which president appointed Harry Hopkins?

Whom was Harry Hopkins writing about?

What was Hopkins’s background?

What was the world population at the time?

When did Hopkins say this?

Answer 1

To help a reader understand the quotation, the following questions would be relevant:

• Why did Harry Hopkins say what he did?
• Whom was Harry Hopkins writing about?
• What was Hopkins’s background?
• When did Hopkins say this?

The other questions, while interesting, do not directly aid in understanding the context or meaning of the quotation itself.

Answer 2

Three or four million heads of families don’t turn into tramps and cheats overnight, nor do they lose the habits and standards of a lifetime…. They don’t drink any more than the rest of us, they don’t lie any more, they’re no lazier than the rest of us…. An eighth or a tenth of the earning population does not change its character which has been generations in the molding, or, if such a change actually occurs, we can scarcely charge it up to personal sin.

—federal relief administrator Harry Hopkins,
1933

Hopkins is referring to people who do not have jobs because they
✔ cannot find jobs
.
Based on the historical context, what point is Hopkins making about unemployment?

Unemployment is due to larger societal failings, not personal failings.

Depressions drive people to engage in poor behaviors rather than search for jobs.

Unemployment is directly related to changes in moral standards.

Answer 3

The point that Hopkins is making about unemployment is:

Unemployment is due to larger societal failings, not personal failings.

He argues that the character and habits of individuals do not change overnight due to unemployment, suggesting that the issue of unemployment is rooted in systemic problems rather than personal deficiencies or moral failures.

Answer 4

Why was Yip Harburg relieved when the stock market crashed?

The crash allowed him to write sentimental songs about hard times.

Harburg was wealthy, so he did not need to pretend that he wanted to work.

Harburg felt grateful that the crash forced him to use and develop his creativity.

The crash plunged him into a world that was entirely unfamiliar and exciting.

Answer 5

Yip Harburg felt grateful that the crash forced him to use and develop his creativity.

This response reflects the idea that, despite the hardships associated with the stock market crash, Harburg found an opportunity to enhance his creative expression through writing songs that resonated with the experiences of people during tough times.

Answer 6

Why did the stock market crash make people lose confidence in business? Make an inference based on the readings and your knowledge of history.

It made people realize that businesses could fail.

It led people to believe that business owners were cruel.

It forced businesses to stop giving handouts.

It allowed people to succeed in other industries.

Answer 7

The inference that can be drawn is:

It made people realize that businesses could fail.

The stock market crash of 1929 revealed the vulnerability and instability of the financial system, leading many to lose faith in the ability of businesses to sustain themselves. This realization contributed to a broader sense of insecurity about economic prosperity and personal financial stability.

Answer 8

When there was earth to plow, or guns to bear

I was always there—right on the job.

They used to tell me I was building a dream

With peace and glory ahead—

Why should I be standing in line

Just waiting for bread?

Read the excerpt from “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” What central idea of the song is reflected in these lines?

Hard times can affect anyone, even people who have worked hard and served their country.

The best way to avoid hardship is to understand the causes of the Great Depression.

Because of the Industrial Revolution, farming is no longer a reliable way to earn a living.

Those who do not work hard enough will not be able to support themselves.

Answer 9

The central idea of the song reflected in these lines is:

Hard times can affect anyone, even people who have worked hard and served their country.

The excerpt conveys the frustration of individuals who have contributed to society and worked diligently, only to find themselves in difficult circumstances, such as waiting in line for basic necessities like bread during the Great Depression. This highlights the theme of how economic hardship can impact even the most dedicated and hardworking individuals.

Answer 10

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?

Read the last lines of “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” What do these lines suggest about the social consequences of the Great Depression?

People found comfort in their memories of happier times.

Even those who were employed could not afford to help others.

People who were unemployed were sometimes forgotten by friends and neighbors.

People who were unemployed often asked their friends to help them find jobs.

Answer 11

The last lines of “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” suggest that:

People who were unemployed were sometimes forgotten by friends and neighbors.

The repetition of "they called me Al" and the plea for help indicate a sense of abandonment and the idea that those who had fallen on hard times were no longer recognized or remembered by those around them, despite previously having close relationships. This highlights the social isolation and neglect experienced by many during the Great Depression.