Question

Understand President Herbert Hoover’s reasoning to increase government funding for public works projects.

a) To stimulate economic growth during the Great Depression
b) To reduce government spending and debt
c) To promote individual self-sufficiency
d) To limit government intervention in the economy

Answer 1

Option (a), Herbert Hoover increased government funding for public works to stimulate economic growth during the Great Depression, establishing programs like the RFC, although his measures were often limited and focused on self-sustaining projects.

Step-by-step explanation:

Herbert Hoover's Increase in Government Funding for Public Works Projects

President Herbert Hoover's reasoning to increase government funding for public works was driven by the necessity to stimulate economic growth during the Great Depression. Hoover, a staunch proponent of individualistic success and minimal government intervention, initially resisted substantial government intervention. Nonetheless, faced with the economic crisis, he expanded public works programs and initiated the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) to support businesses through loans.

These measures, however, were limited in scope and Hoover preferred projects that could pay for themselves and did not offer direct federal relief to individuals. Therefore, the best answer to the student's question is (a) To stimulate economic growth during the Great Depression.