From 1929 to 1933, President Herbert Hoover tried to deal with the worsening economic crisis that became the Great Depression. His policies relied on his firm belief that "Victory over this depression and over our other difficulties will be won by the resolution of our people to tight their own battles in their own communifies, by stimulating their ingenuity to solve their own problems... This is not the easy way, but it is the American way." President Herbert Hoover, radio address, February 12, 1931 Hoover's comments could be used to help support the thesis that he believed in which position? Economic hardships were exaggerated. The economic situation did not need correcting. Direct aid for the needy should come from private sources. Government programs to regulate the economy should be expanded.

Hoover's comments suggest that he valued self-reliance and believed that the American people should take the lead in overcoming economic hardships rather than relying heavily on federal assistance. This reflects a position that direct aid for the needy should come from private sources and local communities, rather than through substantial government intervention. Additionally, Hoover's perspective emphasizes the principle that individuals and communities should harness their own resourcefulness to tackle challenges, indicating a deep-rooted belief in limited government involvement. This aligns with his overall approach during the Great Depression, which sought to foster initiative rather than dependence on government programs, showcasing his commitment to the individualism that characterized much of American ethos at the time.