Problem: The onset of the Great Depression generated a "crisis of legitimacy" in the US and elsewhere. Use the following prompts to identify and discuss important components of this crisis:
a. With the onset of the Age of Revolution and liberalism (1700s-), the nature and function of government had become reimagined. Identify and discuss the nature and function of government according to this conception (including republicanism, natural rights, social contract)
b. Draw upon specific events and realities from the lesson to explain why the Great Depression represented a "crisis" in terms of the legitimacy of the US government (for example, how did government actual! tually function and how did it respond to events such as the Hunger March?)
c. Rising with the Age of Revolution, the modern capitalist system promised to meet human needs, uplift humanity, and bring about "the greatest good for the greatest number." According to Adam Smith, what is the proper role of government in capitalism?
d. Draw upon specific events and realities from the lesson to explain why the Great Depression represented a "crisis" in terms of the legitimacy of capitalism (for example, how did capitalism actually function before and during the Great Depression?)