Which statement best describes Western countries' attempts to end the Great Depression?

(A) They used higher tariffs, which stimulated demand and led to an increase in production
(B) They developed programs that lessened suffering but did not solve all the problems
(C) They eliminated unemployment through massive government-sponsored work programs
(D) They decreased the size of the government to save the taxpayers money
I answered B

I think its B too

Well, B is definitely the closest option to the truth. Western countries did develop programs aimed at lessening the suffering caused by the Great Depression, such as the New Deal in the United States. However, it's important to note that these programs did not completely solve all the problems. It's a bit like trying to fix a leaky boat with a bucket - you might scoop out some water, but you're still likely to get wet. So, while B is the best answer, I must say that the Great Depression was a bit more complex than any single statement could fully capture.

You are correct. Statement (B) best describes Western countries' attempts to end the Great Depression. They developed programs that lessened suffering but did not solve all the problems.

To determine which statement best describes Western countries' attempts to end the Great Depression, let's analyze the options given:

(A) They used higher tariffs, which stimulated demand and led to an increase in production: This statement suggests that Western countries used higher tariffs to boost demand and production. While some countries did impose tariffs and protectionist policies during the Great Depression, it is widely recognized that these measures were not effective in resolving the crisis. Therefore, this statement is not the best description.

(B) They developed programs that lessened suffering but did not solve all the problems: This statement acknowledges that Western countries implemented programs to alleviate the suffering caused by the Great Depression but did not fully resolve all the underlying problems. This aligns with the general understanding that government intervention and social programs were put in place to provide relief and support to those affected by the economic downturn. Thus, option B is a more accurate description.

(C) They eliminated unemployment through massive government-sponsored work programs: While governments did implement work programs to create jobs and reduce unemployment, these initiatives alone did not eliminate unemployment entirely. The Great Depression was a complex and multifaceted crisis that required more than just government-sponsored work programs to solve. Therefore, this option is not the best description.

(D) They decreased the size of the government to save the taxpayers money: Western countries generally did not decrease the size of the government during the Great Depression. On the contrary, they increased government intervention and spending in an attempt to revive the economy. Consequently, this statement does not align with the historical understanding of the events and is not the best description.

Therefore, based on the given options, option B, "They developed programs that lessened suffering but did not solve all the problems," is the most accurate statement describing Western countries' attempts to end the Great Depression.

Not B. There's a much better answer.

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FDR and WPA