"We were challenged with a peace-time choice between the American system of rugged individualism and a European philosophy of diametrically opposed doctrines – doctrines of paternalism and state socialism. The acceptance of these ideas would have meant the destruction of self-government through centralization of government. It would have meant the undermining of the individual initiative and enterprise through which our people have grown to unparalleled greatness.": Section of Herbert Hoover's post-election speech after the 1928 US presidential election in reference to what was, in his view, excessive growth of government power during World War I under administrations before him.