Unit 5 Essay 2 How did Herbert Hoover

Unit 5: Essay 2 “How did Herbert Hoover and FDR offer different solutions to the Depression ? Why did FDR beat Hoover in the election of 1932? ”

I. Herbert Hoover’s Response to the Depression Hoover’s Philosophy 1. Strength is based upon “SELF-RELIANCE” – Destroyed if people DEPEND on Govt. 2. For temporary help, Americans should VOLUNTEER to help each other = “VOLUNTEERISM” 3. STATE & LOCAL governments might provide RELIEF – but this is not job of FEDERAL Govt.

I. Herbert Hoover’s Response to the Depression 4. Govt. should not INTERFERE with the national ECONOMY – why ? because the economy can FIX ITSELF ! 5. Hoover said the Depression is only a TEMPORARY SLUMP – the economy will FIX ITSELF, if left alone

“Small Boat” Analogy

I. Hoover’s Response – Actions as President 1. Hoover tried to encourage people to have faith in econ. with SPEECHES 2. He stopped Congress from “INTERFERING” with economy and offering RELIEF to people 3. He said STATE & LOCAL govt’s should provide relief

I. Hoover’s Response – Actions as President 4. Creates FARM BUREAU to assist FARMERS – but strictly a VOLUNTARY organization 5. 1932 – Create RECONSTRUCTION FINANCE CORP. (RFC) = • lend BANKS, BUSINESSES money will “TRICKLE DOWN” = • NEW JOBS

1928 Presidential Election Hoover won big-time !

1932 Presidential Election FDR Wins !

How did Hoover & FDR offer different solutions ? Why did FDR beat Hoover in 1932 election ? HOOVER FDR Background orphan – middle-class Stanford grad Profession Engineer/businessman Political Party Republican wealthy, famous family with political connections – has polio Harvard grad Profession career politician Political Party Democrat

How did Hoover & FDR offer different solutions ? Why did FDR beat Hoover in 1932 election ? HOOVER FDR Experience successful businessman Coolige’s Secretary of Commerce copied TR’s career = NY Legislator, Governor Asst. Secretary of Navy

How did Hoover & FDR offer different solutions ? Why did FDR beat Hoover in 1932 election ? HOOVER FDR Solutions ? “Trickle-down” economics (RFC) “Sit tight” – “volunteerism” Role of the Government ? Fed. Govt. should NOT interfere in the economy can only make it worse Govt must DO SOMETHING now -Plan = called “a New Deal” (3 -R’s) Relief, Recovery, Reform Role of the Government ? Purpose of Fed. Govt. is to 1. SOLVE problems 2. Help citizens in distress

How did Hoover & FDR offer different solutions ? Why did FDR beat Hoover in 1932 election ? HOOVER FDR Why did voters prefer FDR ? 1) Hoover blamed for Depression 2) Trickle-down is too little, too late 3) Hoover seems to not care (Bonus Army) Why did voters prefer FDR ? Exudes a positive, hopeful attitude he seems confident and personable -- seems to “care”