Hoover's Response to the Great Depression
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary impact of the Bonus Army eviction on Hoover's public image?

  • It helped him gain support from veterans.
  • It improved his approval ratings among the wealthy.
  • It solidified his image as a compassionate leader.
  • It reinforced his image as being ineffective. (correct)

    • How did Franklin D. Roosevelt aim to address the Great Depression?

  • By focusing solely on volunteerism and local initiatives.
  • By implementing the New Deal, a series of federal programs and policies. (correct)
  • By relying solely on the advice of Republican advisors.
  • By continuing Hoover's policies of non-intervention.

    • What role did Eleanor Roosevelt play during her husband's presidency?

  • She spent her time solely on creating federal programs.
  • She acted as his 'eyes and ears' by traveling the country and listening to the people's concerns. (correct)
  • She primarily focused on international relations and policy.
  • She primarily remained in Washington, D.C. and did not interact with the public.

    • What was the effect of Hoover's approach to the Great Depression?

    <p>His policies and approaches failed to alleviate the suffering and led to widespread dissatisfaction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the 'Brain Trust' assembled by FDR?

    <p>A diverse group of advisors who helped plan his response to the depression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Hoover's initial approach to the economic downturn?

    <p>Following a hands-off policy, believing business cycles were natural. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main idea behind Hoover's policy of volunteerism during the Great Depression?

    <p>To encourage Americans to act for the good of the country through charitable actions and cooperation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did Hoover request from business and industrial leaders?

    <p>To keep employment, wages, and prices at current levels. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What specific actions did Hoover request from the government to help combat the depression?

    <p>To reduce taxes, lower interest rates, and launch public-works programs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key reason why Hoover's volunteerism policy failed?

    <p>Businesses prioritized their own interests over the collective good by cutting wages and laying off workers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Hoover view the role of government intervention in the economy, initially?

    <p>The government should remain hands-off and allow economic cycles to run their course. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Hoover believe would reverse the economic downturn, according to his policies?

    <p>Voluntary cooperation along with increased production and consumption. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did Hoover seek private charity?

    <p>Because he felt that private charities should distribute aid, as an element in his volunteer program. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did farmers increase crop production in the lead-up to the Great Depression?

    <p>They aimed to keep their family farms afloat. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was President Hoover's initial approach to addressing the economic crisis?

    <p>Reliance on state and local aid and private charities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main challenge faced by state and local governments during the Depression, according to the text?

    <p>Insufficient financial and human resources to address the crisis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is 'rugged individualism,' as promoted by President Hoover?

    <p>Self-reliance and individual effort without direct government aid. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC)?

    <p>To offer government loans to banks and large businesses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the theory behind 'trickle-down economics' as implemented by Hoover?

    <p>Government money lent to big business would lead to job-creation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why was the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) ultimately unsuccessful in ending the Depression?

    <p>Companies used the money for investments instead of hiring workers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did 'Hoovervilles', 'Hoover wagons' and 'Hoover heaters' represent?

    <p>Public dissatisfaction with the President and his failed policies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main argument made by those who supported socialism or communism during the Great Depression?

    <p>Capitalism leads to inequity and market failure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Despite the economic hardships of the time, why did most Americans reject calls for communist revolution?

    <p>They valued individual freedoms and the promise of progress. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main purpose of the Bonus Army march on Washington, D.C.?

    <p>To demand immediate payment of a previously promised bonus. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of the Bonus Army's demands in 1932?

    <p>The House of Representatives passed a bill, but it was rejected by the Senate. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What prompted President Hoover to finally reverse his approach and use federal resources to combat the Depression?

    <p>The growing crisis and negative backlash against his policies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major effect of the construction of the Boulder Dam (Hoover Dam)?

    <p>It provided much-needed employment to the Southwest during the early 1930s. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the text, what was a significant factor that made the depression such a difficult situation to solve?

    <p>A disconnect between local initiatives and the overall economic issue. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was General Douglas MacArthur's justification for using force against the Bonus Army?

    <p>They were a band of revolutionaries attempting to take over the government. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key difference in how President Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt dealt with the Bonus Army?

    <p>Hoover sent the military to remove them; Roosevelt sent his wife to interact with them. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes President Hoover's initial approach to the Great Depression?

    <p>He believed the government should not deeply interfere, relying on business to recover naturally and charity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of creating the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC)?

    <p>To provide low interest rate loans to failing banks, railroads and businesses. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did President Roosevelt demonstrate his bipartisan approach to politics?

    <p>By nominating two Republicans to high-ranking positions within his cabinet. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was a critical factor contributing to Herbert Hoover's loss in the 1932 presidential election?

    <p>The use of force against the Bonus Army, which turned the public against him. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the “Brain Trust”?

    <p>A group of academics and professionals who advised FDR on the New Deal. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a specific action undertaken by General Patton against the Bonus Army?

    <p>Ordered his troops to threaten the marchers using sabers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best characterizes how regular Americans felt about Hoover's performance during the Depression?

    <p>They felt that he had failed to help them and they were ready for a change. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event highlighted a significant contrast in the approaches of Hoover and Roosevelt towards the Bonus Army?

    <p>The means by which they handled their presence in Washington, D.C. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key consequence of the Bonus Army incident?

    <p>It undermined public confidence in President Hoover's leadership. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Franklin D. Roosevelt's nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate indicate about the political mood of the nation?

    <p>A lack of confidence in the current executive branch of the government. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Frances Perkins known for during FDR's presidency?

    <p>She was the first woman to hold a cabinet position (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect did the use of force against the Bonus Army have on Hoover's public image?

    <p>It severely damaged his public image causing him to lose support. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the public's general reaction to President Hoover's handling of the Great Depression?

    <p>The public became increasingly frustrated with his perceived inability to end the economic crisis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of the 'Bonus Army' march on Washington, D.C.?

    <p>To demand early payment of bonuses promised to WWI veterans. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which policy did President Hoover NOT employ to combat the Great Depression?

    <p>Direct aid, establishing federal programs to directly assist the unemployed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the key difference in approach between Herbert Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt in addressing the Great Depression?

    <p>Hoover avoided federal intervention, while Roosevelt advocated for it. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How successful was Hoover's policy of 'volunteerism' in addressing the Great Depression?

    <p>It was largely unsuccessful as the majority of businesses cut wages to stay afloat, and farmers increased production. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of the Bonus Army protest in Washington, D.C.?

    <p>The veterans were violently evicted by the military, which damaged Hoover's reputation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did Eleanor Roosevelt play in FDR's administration?

    <p>She traveled around the country to gather and report public feedback. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was 'localism', as promoted by Herbert Hoover?

    <p>The idea that state and local governments are best suited to provide relief during economic downturns. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Reconstruction Finance Corporation(RFC) attempt to stimulate the economy?

    <p>By providing government loans to businesses and banks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was NOT a direct consequence of Hoover's handling of the Bonus Army?

    <p>A rise in support for Hoover ahead of the next election. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What economic philosophy was gaining some popularity during the Great Depression as an alternative to capitalism?

    <p>Socialism or communism, promoting a state-run economy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was 'trickle-down economics' as hoped to be applied by President Hoover?

    <p>A strategy to aid businesses and banks, hoping it would benefit the lower classes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did the Reconstruction Finance Corporation(RFC) ultimately fail to achieve its intended goals?

    <p>Banks were not giving out loans and businesses were not hiring. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major success of Hoover’s presidency during the Great Depression?

    <p>The construction of the Hoover Dam. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was President Hoover's view on government intervention in the economy during the Great Depression?

    <p>He initially opposed government intervention, believing in rugged individualism and that businesses could fix the economy themselves. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Hoover's Response to the Great Depression

    • Hoover initially adopted a hands-off approach, viewing economic downturns as natural cycles that businesses could overcome without government intervention.
    • He promoted volunteerism, encouraging businesses and individuals to maintain current employment, wages, and production levels. Wealthy individuals were urged to contribute to charities.
    • Hoover also believed in localism, arguing that state and local governments should handle the economic crisis; these entities lacked the resources to address extensive economic hardship.
    • Hoover resisted using federal funds for direct relief, believing it was unconstitutional.

    Failure of Hoover's Policies

    • Hoover’s reliance on businesses and individuals voluntarily cooperating to maintain employment and production was ineffective.
    • Businesses reacted by lowering wages and laying off workers. Farmers, in an attempt to maintain livelihoods, increased production. People prioritized individual economic pursuits over cooperation.
    • Local governments were under-equipped to manage the vast economic problems and lacked necessary financial and human resources.

    The Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC)

    • Hoover established the RFC to provide government loans to businesses, banks, and railroads. This was based on a trickle-down economics theory - aiding businesses would stimulate production, hiring, and economic recovery.
    • The RFC's loans were not effectively leveraged by banks and businesses to create jobs or boost production, thus failing to trickle down as intended.

    Public Perception and the Bonus Army

    • Hoover's policies were widely viewed as ineffective as homelessness grew and widespread economic hardship continued. People began referring to makeshift shelters as Hoovervilles.
    • In 1932, World War I veterans, known as the Bonus Army, protested in Washington D.C., demanding early payment of bonuses.
    • Hoover's response, calling in federal troops to forcibly remove the veterans, severely damaged his reputation and contributed to his declining approval ratings.
    • The use of military force against the Bonus Army and the ongoing economic hardship eroded trust in Hoover's presidency.

    Alternative Economic Theories

    • Some Americans questioned the capitalist system and advocated for socialism or communism as solutions to the Great Depression.
    • They argued that capitalism exacerbated wealth inequality and competition in the U.S. and looked to the Soviet Union as an example of a state-run economy successfully addressing economic woes.
    • The majority of Americans, however, did not support these radical alternatives to the capitalist system.

    Roosevelt's Rise

    • Hoover’s failure to address the Great Depression negatively affected his chances for re-election in 1932.
    • The economic challenges—high unemployment, bank failures, poverty, and widespread homelessness—led to widespread public dissatisfaction.
    • Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Democratic candidate, gained support and was elected president in 1932.

    Roosevelt's Approach

    • Roosevelt's presidency was sharply contrasted with Hoover's reluctance to use federal power.
    • FDR pledged to address the economic crisis with a more interventionist approach, outlined in his New Deal program.
    • He formed an advisory group known as the "Brain Trust" to aid in developing the policies.
    • Eleanor Roosevelt played a significant role in FDR's presidency, acting as a bridge to ordinary citizens' concerns.

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    Description

    Explore the policies and approaches adopted by President Hoover during the Great Depression. This quiz examines his hands-off strategy, reliance on volunteerism, and the resulting challenges that led to the ineffectiveness of his economic measures.

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