A high school teacher in the United States shocked his students by revealing the staggering $37 trillion national debt, a figure that left them in stunned silence. As part of a U.S. government class, the students had previously guessed the debt at anywhere from millions to billions of dollars, but the reality of the figure was far more daunting. The teacher emphasized the long-term consequences of the national debt, particularly for future generations who will be responsible for paying it back. He used various examples and historical references, such as the 1923 German hyperinflation crisis, to illustrate how unsustainable high levels of debt can be.
The lesson concluded with a discussion on how to address the debt problem, including potential solutions and the role of government spending decisions. The teacher also highlighted the importance of understanding the impact of national debt on everyday citizens, particularly in terms of how it affects their financial future. He encouraged the students to think critically about how their generation will manage the financial responsibilities left behind by previous administrations.