03.08 Testing Tips - Understanding Complexity

The text below was written in 1918: "I believe, Your Honor, in common with all Socialists, that this nation ought to own and control its own industries. I believe, as all Socialists do, that all things that are jointly needed and used ought to be jointly owned—that industry, the basis of our social life, instead of being the private property of a few and operated for their enrichment, ought to be the common property of all, democratically administered in the interest of all..." According to Eugene Debs, what is the fundamental principle of socialism? Industry should be owned communally rather than privately. All living beings are equal and deserve the same rights and privileges. The order of things cannot last forever; there is a fundamental change to society on the horizon. The minority population will one day become the majority.

The text below was written in 1918: "There are today upwards of sixty millions of Socialists, loyal, devoted adherents to this cause, regardless of nationality, race, creed, color, or sex. They are all making common cause. They are spreading with tireless energy the propaganda of the new social order. They are waiting, watching, and working hopefully through all the hours of the day and the night. They are still in a minority. But they have learned how to be patient and to bide their time. The feel—they know, indeed—that the time is coming, in spite of all opposition, all persecution, when this emancipating gospel will spread among all the peoples, and when this minority will become the triumphant majority and, sweeping into power, inaugurate the greatest social and economic change in history." Which of the following statements from Eugene Debs is based on fact? "There are today upwards of sixty millions of Socialists..." "They are spreading with tireless energy the propaganda of the new social order." "The feel—they know, indeed—that the time is coming..." "...this minority will become the triumphant majority and, sweeping into power, inaugurate the greatest social and economic change in history..."

The text below was written in 1918: "I believe, Your Honor, in common with all Socialists, that this nation ought to own and control its own industries. I believe, as all Socialists do, that all things that are jointly needed and used ought to be jointly owned—that industry, the basis of our social life, instead of being the private property of a few and operated for their enrichment, ought to be the common property of all, democratically administered in the interest of all..." Based on what you read in this statement by Eugene Debs, what conclusion can be drawn about the climate of American politics in 1918? The government worked quickly to suppress radical ideas and beliefs. Socialism was seen as a threat to the American system of capitalism. Americans were optimistic about the future of their country. Economic success caused many Americans to reconsider their political beliefs.

The text below was written in 1918: "In this country—the most favored beneath the bending skies—we have vast areas of the richest and most fertile soil, material resources in inexhaustible abundance, the most marvelous productive machinery on earth, and millions of eager workers ready to apply their labor to that machinery to produce in abundance for every man, woman, and child—and if there are still vast numbers of our people who are the victims of poverty and whose lives are an unceasing struggle all the way from youth to old age, until at last death comes to their rescue and lulls these hapless victims to dreamless sleep, it is not the fault of the Almighty: it cannot be charged to nature, but it is due entirely to the outgrown social system in which we live that ought to be abolished not only in the interest of the toiling masses but in the higher interest of all humanity..." According to Eugene Debs, what problems will socialism resolve? It will eliminate the restrictions to industrial freedom that capitalism creates. It will direct the energies of the toiling masses toward prosperous endeavors. It will destroy the power of greed and exploitation in the American economy. It will end poverty and put an end to the life-long struggle of the working class.

The text below was written in 1918: "I listened to all that was said in this court in support and justification of this prosecution, but my mind remains unchanged. I look upon the Espionage Law as a despotic enactment in flagrant conflict with democratic principles and with the spirit of free institutions... Your Honor, I have stated in this court that I am opposed to the social system in which we live; that I believe in a fundamental change—but if possible by peaceable and orderly means..." Why does Eugene Debs reject the prosecution's arguments in support of the Espionage Act? He stands in opposition to the current political system. He denies being in violation of the Espionage Act. He believes that the Espionage Act is contradictory to democratic principles and freedom. He believes that his actions were justified based on his kinship with all living beings.