Excerpt from Harry L. Hopkins’ “Toward Economic Security; A Review of President Roosevelt's Economic Security Program,” 1935
Unemployment compensation boils down to this simple meaning. If a worker loses his job, there would be a fund from which he would receive a benefit for a certain period of unemployment. The Wagner-Doughton-Lewis bill which embraces President Roosevelt's recommendations for economic security is a realistic piece of legislation. It would not remove the necessity for all measures for unemployment relief, but it would lessen the need within the realm of possibilities. Now about old age. We have two problems of old age to face. There must be security for the future of those still in their working years and security for those who are already old. Insurance for the future of those still working can be worked out on an actuarial basis. It is not easy, but this old-age insurance problem can be put on a basis of definite figures. For the people whose job-holding days are over, it is a matter of pensions, not insurance, in the usual sense of the word. The legislation also carries help for widows and children in homes without a breadwinner. That, too, calls for a pension system. . . .
Use the excerpt from Harry L. Hopkins’ “Toward Economic Security” to answer the question.
What does the report suggest about the impact of the Great Depression?
A.
It led to the breakup of many families as people lost their homes and migrated in search of work.
B.
It hit workers and the elderly especially hard, depriving them of jobs, wages, and pensions.
C.
It spurred an increase in child labor and employment for women as factories looked to cut costs.
D.
It was mostly felt by poor immigrant communities who made up most of the unemployed urban labor.