Hoover's Response to the Great Depression
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Questions and Answers

What event significantly damaged Hoover's public image and contributed to his defeat in the 1932 election?

  • His successful management of agricultural surpluses.
  • His support of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff.
  • His decision to reduce federal spending on infrastructure.
  • The violent eviction of the Bonus Army. (correct)
  • How did Franklin D. Roosevelt prepare to address the economic crisis during his 1932 campaign?

  • He promised to uphold traditional fiscally conservative policies.
  • He sought counsel from a diverse group of advisors known as the Brain Trust. (correct)
  • He advocated for a strict adherence to laissez-faire economic policies.
  • He relied solely on the advice of established political leaders.
  • What role did Eleanor Roosevelt play in her husband's presidency?

  • She primarily focused on managing the White House staff.
  • She traveled the country to gauge public sentiment and act as his 'eyes and ears'. (correct)
  • She managed the country's national debt through treasury departments.
  • She was responsible for developing international trade policies.
  • Which of the following best describes the aim of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal?

    <p>To provide relief, recovery, and reform to combat the effects of the depression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is most accurate regarding Hoover's approach to the Great Depression?

    <p>He believed in localism, volunteerism, and a more individualistic approach. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What approach did Hoover initially adopt at the onset of the Great Depression?

    <p>A hands-off policy, believing downturns were natural occurrences (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the core principle behind Hoover's strategy of volunteerism during the Great Depression?

    <p>Encouraging voluntary cooperation from citizens to overcome the crisis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did businesses generally respond to Hoover's call for maintained wages and employment levels?

    <p>Businesses largely ignored Hoover's recommendations, prioritizing their individual survival by cutting wages and laying off workers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of Hoover's plan heavily relied on the idea that Americans would act for the collective good?

    <p>The voluntary cooperation initiative among businesses, labors, and citizens (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key reason for the failure of Hoover's approach to combating the Great Depression?

    <p>His programs relied too much on voluntary cooperation instead of mandatory directives (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, what did Hoover request along with business owners maintaining labor and wages?

    <p>Government to reduce taxes, lower interest rates, and create public works programs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What policy did Hoover use when he was the Secretary of Commerce during the 1920s?

    <p>He encouraged business to find their common goals with eachother (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did businesses cut wages and lay off workers during the Great Depression, despite Hoover's requests?

    <p>They thought it would save their businesses from failing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was General Douglas MacArthur's primary justification for the use of force against the Bonus Army?

    <p>He believed they were a revolutionary group attempting to overthrow the government. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes President Hoover's initial approach to the economic crisis?

    <p>Complete reliance on state and local governments and volunteer efforts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To give loans to businesses, banks, and railroads in hope to stimulate the economy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant difference in how President Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt treated the Bonus Army?

    <p>Hoover sent the army to remove them, while Roosevelt sent his wife to engage them. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main reason for the failure of Hoover's policy of voluntary cooperation?

    <p>People prioritized self-interest over cooperation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was Frances Perkins and what was her historical significance?

    <p>She became the first woman Cabinet member, serving as Secretary of Labor under Roosevelt. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the reasons given for many Americans turning away from Herbert Hoover in favor of Franklin Roosevelt?

    <p>The widespread unemployment and economic hardship caused by the Depression. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Eleanor Roosevelt contribute to her husband's presidency?

    <p>She was his 'eyes and ears', interacting with the American people and offering the president insights. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these statements accurately reflects a major criticism of Hoover's handling of the depression?

    <p>He didn't act quickly enough, thereby allowing the economic crisis to deepen. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the 'Brain Trust' in relation to Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency?

    <p>A group of influential professionals and academics who provided advice on the New Deal. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which detail highlights that Roosevelt was willing to reach across the aisle in his cabinet nominations?

    <p>He nominated two Republicans, Henry Wallace and Harold Ickes, to cabinet positions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did many Americans conclude about President Hoover by 1932?

    <p>That he had completely failed to deal with the economic hardships. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the economic philosophy behind the Reconstruction Finance Corporation?

    <p>Trickle-down economics, where aiding businesses would benefit the general population. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the major impact of the photos of American troops removing the Bonus Army?

    <p>They shocked the nation and further damaged Hoover's chances of reelection. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was President Hoover's view of depression?

    <p>He thought it was a naturally occurring phenomenon that should run its own course. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary public reaction to the makeshift shelters built during the Great Depression?

    <p>They were ridiculed and nicknamed 'Hoovervilles' due to dissatisfaction with the President. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the core demand of the Bonus Army?

    <p>To obtain early payment of bonuses promised to them for their World War I service. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which action taken by President Hoover significantly damaged his public image during the Bonus Army protests?

    <p>He ordered the use of military force, resulting in physical harm and tear gas against the veterans. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did proponents of socialism believe regarding the causes of the Great Depression?

    <p>They argued the free market's ability to regulate itself was flawed, leading to wealth inequality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What alternative economic model did some Americans cite as a potential solution to the Great Depression?

    <p>The state-run economy of the Soviet Union. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action taken by FDR's campaign helped him understand public concerns and shaped the direction of his administration?

    <p>His wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, traveled extensively and reported back to him on the people’s concerns. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept did Hoover rely on, that stated that people should improve their lives without government aid?

    <p>Rugged individualism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Hoover's approach to business and the economy during the start of the Great Depression?

    <p>Assuming that government intervention was not needed because the economy could fix itself. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the outcome of Hoover's policy of volunteerism in addressing the Great Depression?

    <p>It was not successful, as businesses cut wages and laid off workers instead of sustaining them. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was 'localism', as advocated by President Hoover?

    <p>The belief that state and local governments should handle the relief. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the common criticism against the policy of 'trickle-down economics'?

    <p>That loans provided to businesses and banks did not help create jobs at the grass roots level. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the most notable success of Hoover's administration in creating a positive impact during the early 1930s?

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

    What was the popular sentiment regarding the capitalist economic system during the Great Depression?

    <p>Many Americans became critical of capitalism, but still preferred it over other economic or political forms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason for the American public's dissatisfaction with President Hoover?

    <p>His inability to effectively address and end the Great Depression and increasing poverty. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Hoover's primary belief regarding the role of local and state governments in addressing the Great Depression?

    <p>They could effectively solve problems without federal intervention. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one significant reason why Hoover's belief in rugged individualism was criticized?

    <p>It assumed that individuals could overcome severe economic challenges alone. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which initiative was created under Hoover's administration to provide loans to businesses and banks during the depression?

    <p>Reconstruction Finance Corporation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation under Hoover's guidance?

    <p>It failed to ensure loans reached workers effectively. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of Hoovervilles during the Great Depression?

    <p>They highlighted the suffering and homelessness among Americans. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did many Americans view Hoover's initial response to the Great Depression?

    <p>They saw it as ineffective and slow to respond. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did the Bonus Army take in 1932?

    <p>They demanded immediate payment of bonuses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were some Americans calling for as a response to the economic crisis?

    <p>Acceptance of socialism or communism. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major criticism of the trickle-down economic theory during Hoover's presidency?

    <p>It failed to actually benefit the lower economic classes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Hoover's policies ultimately affect his reputation with the public?

    <p>He was seen as a symbol of failure during the Great Depression. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the intended purpose of constructing the Boulder Dam during Hoover's presidency?

    <p>To boost employment through a public works project. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the term 'Hoover wagon' refer to during the Great Depression?

    <p>Makeshift vehicles used by the homeless. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did the Senate defeat the bill proposed by the House of Representatives to provide early payment of veteran bonuses?

    <p>They believed it would divert funds from essential services. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What societal belief underpinned the opposition to communism in the United States during the Great Depression?

    <p>A strong sense of nationalism and patriotism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Hoover's Hands-Off Policy

    Hoover's initial belief that the government should not intervene in economic downturns, viewing them as natural cycles.

    Hoover's Voluntary Cooperation Plan

    Hoover's attempt to address the Depression by encouraging businesses and individuals to voluntarily cooperate to maintain employment, wages, and prices.

    Hoover's National Interest Belief

    Hoover's belief that individuals should prioritize the good of the nation over their own self-interest during an economic crisis.

    Failure of Voluntary Cooperation

    The failure of Hoover's plan due to businesses and individuals prioritizing their own interests (like cutting wages and laying off workers) rather than cooperating for the national good.

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    Hoover's Encouraging Approach

    Hoover's approach of encouraging, rather than mandating, American economic recovery.

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    Inadequacy of Volunteerism

    The ineffective nature of Hoover's reliance on voluntary cooperation during the Great Depression.

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    The Great Depression

    The economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted throughout the 1930s.

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    Herbert Hoover

    The President of the United States during the Great Depression, who implemented various policies to address the economic crisis.

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    Rugged Individualism

    Herbert Hoover's belief that individuals should rely on themselves and local communities for support, rather than government intervention.

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    Brain Trust

    A group of advisors assembled by Franklin D. Roosevelt to help him address the Great Depression. It consisted of Democrats and Republicans.

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    What were the three goals of the New Deal?

    The New Deal focused on providing relief to the unemployed and the poor, helping the economy recover, and reforming economic systems to prevent future depressions.

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    Who was the Bonus Army?

    The Bonus Army was a group of World War I veterans who marched on Washington, D.C., demanding early payment of their promised bonus. Hoover's forceful response to their protest further damaged his image as a leader.

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

    Eleanor Roosevelt played a key role in her husband's presidency by acting as his representative and advocate. She traveled across the country, listening to the concerns of ordinary Americans and informing FDR about their needs.

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    Localism

    The belief that problems can be best addressed and solved at the local and state levels, rather than by the federal government.

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    Hoovervilles

    A term used to describe the shantytowns that arose during the Great Depression, filled with homeless people who lost their homes due to economic hardship.

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    Trickle-down Economics

    The belief that putting money into the hands of the wealthy will eventually benefit the whole economy, as the wealth will 'trickle down' to the lower economic classes.

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    Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC)

    A government agency created in 1932 to provide loans to businesses, banks, and railroads in an effort to stimulate the economy during the Great Depression.

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    Boulder Dam (Hoover Dam)

    A massive public works project, later renamed Hoover Dam, built on the Colorado River during the early 1930s. It provided employment opportunities during the Great Depression.

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    Fascism

    An economic and political ideology that promotes state control over the economy and society, often with a focus on national unity and strength.

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    Bonus Army

    A group of World War I veterans who marched on Washington D.C. in 1932 to demand early payment of their promised bonus.

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    Adjusted Compensation Act

    A law passed in 1924 that promised a lump-sum payment to veterans of World War I in 1945.

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    Socialism

    A political system that advocates for social ownership and control of the means of production, distribution, and exchange.

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    Communism

    A political and economic ideology that emphasizes the abolition of private property and the establishment of a classless society.

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    Capitalism

    The economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and distribution, a free market, and competition.

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    Volunteerism (Hoover's Approach)

    President Herbert Hoover's belief that people and businesses should solve the economic crisis without the need for government intervention.

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    Democracy

    A political system based on the principles of majority rule and individual representation.

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    Localism (Hoover's Approach)

    President Herbert Hoover's belief that state and local governments should handle the economic crisis, not the federal government.

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    Depression

    A significant decline in economic activity marked by high unemployment, reduced production, and a decrease in consumer spending.

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    The Bonus Army

    A group of World War I veterans who marched on Washington, D.C. in 1932 to demand early payment of bonuses promised by Congress.

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    Public Assistance

    The policy of providing direct financial assistance to individuals in need, typically through government programs.

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    Hoover's Response to the Bonus Army

    President Herbert Hoover's use of force against the Bonus Army, resulting in tear gas and bayonets being used against the veterans.

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    Capitalism's Failure (Public Perception)

    The belief that capitalism, the system that creates wealthy individuals and large corporations, had failed and was to blame for the Great Depression.

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    Solutions to the Depression: Socialism and Communism

    The belief that socialism or communism, systems where the government controls resources and industries, were solutions to the Great Depression.

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    FDR's Approach

    President Franklin D. Roosevelt's belief in using the federal government's power to address the economic crisis.

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    Hoover Dam

    The Hoover Dam, built during the early 1930s, provided much-needed jobs, representing one of Hoover's few successful projects.

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    Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR)

    President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, elected in 1932, who introduced the New Deal to address the Great Depression.

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    Eleanor Roosevelt

    Eleanor Roosevelt, FDR's wife, who played an active role in public affairs, traveling across the country and reporting back to FDR on people's concerns.

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    General Douglas MacArthur

    General Douglas MacArthur, the military leader who led the forced eviction of the Bonus Army from Washington, D.C.

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    Hands-off policy

    Hoover's belief that the government should not intervene in the economy during a depression, allowing natural market forces to balance themselves out.

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    Volunteerism

    Hoover's strategy to encourage businesses, individuals, and charities to voluntarily maintain employment, wages, and production levels during the depression.

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    Faith in Localism

    Hoover's approach that placed the responsibility for handling the depression on local authorities, believing that state and local governments were better equipped to address the issues than the federal government.

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    Failure of Hoover's Policies

    The failure of Hoover's hands-off policy, volunteerism, and faith in localism to address the economic depression as businesses cut wages, laid off workers, and individuals prioritised self-interest over cooperation.

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    Ineffectiveness of the RFC

    The ineffective nature of the RFC, as businesses and banks did not pass on the benefits of the loans to workers, failing to achieve the desired economic revival.

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    MacArthur's Action Against the Bonus Army

    General MacArthur's deployment of military force to remove the Bonus Army from Washington, D.C., using tear gas and even fixed bayonets, which shocked the nation and further damaged Hoover's image.

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    Public Reaction to the Bonus Army Incident

    The public's shock and outrage at the use of military force against the Bonus Army, which further eroded Hoover's popularity and contributed to his defeat in the upcoming election.

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    Argument for Socialism or Communism

    The argument by some during the depression that socialism or communism were the only viable solutions to the economic crisis, as capitalism had failed to provide for the people.

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    Americans Turn to Roosevelt

    The American people's overwhelming desire for change after the devastating effects of the Great Depression, leading to a landslide victory for Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1932 presidential election.

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    Hoover's and Roosevelt's Background

    The contrast between Hoover's background in business and Roosevelt's privileged upbringing, highlighting the different perspectives they had on the role of government.

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    Roosevelt's Belief in Public Service

    Roosevelt's commitment to public service and serving the needs of the people, reflecting his belief in the government's responsibility to help those in need.

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    Study Notes

    Hoover's Response to the Great Depression

    • Hoover's initial approach emphasized a hands-off policy, believing depressions were natural cycles that businesses should overcome independently, akin to weathering a storm.
    • Later, he promoted volunteerism, urging businesses to maintain employment and wages, and richer individuals to contribute to charity. This approach relied on cooperation but failed due to self-interest driving individual actions.
    • He also placed faith in localism, expecting state and local governments to handle relief efforts. Local resources proved insufficient for the scale of the crisis.
    • Hoover's resistance to using federal resources for direct aid was based on a belief in rugged individualism, where people should rely on their own efforts.
    • His policies eventually proved ineffective, resulting in increased unemployment, poverty, and homelessness. "Hoovervilles" became makeshift shelters, symbolizing the economic hardship.

    The Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC)

    • Hoover created the RFC to provide loans to businesses, banks, and railroads, hoping to boost production and employment.
    • This strategy, known as trickle-down economics, aimed to make banks lend more to businesses, expecting this to eventually benefit those in economic hardship.
    • The RFC, despite providing billions in loans, did not trickle down as expected. Banks and businesses often did not use the money for the intended purposes.
    • Building the Hoover Dam provided employment, a success in contrast to the overall failures of his economic measures.

    The Bonus Army

    • In 1932, WWI veterans (the Bonus Army) protested in Washington D.C., seeking early payment of promised bonuses.
    • The House approved an early payment bill but the Senate blocked it, leading to an extended occupation.
    • Hoover's response to the Bonus Army involved federal troops clearing protesters out. The use of force generated significant negative public perception.

    Socialism and Communism

    • Some Americans during the Depression advocated for abandoning capitalism and adopting socialism or communism.
    • They viewed capitalism as causing wealth inequality and envisioned a state-controlled economy as the solution, looking at the Soviet Union as a model.
    • However, most Americans rejected communism and clung to faith in democracy and individual freedom.

    Roosevelt's Rise

    • Hoover's failures in addressing the Depression contributed to his overwhelmingly unpopular 1932 campaign.
    • By 1932, high unemployment, bank failures, and widespread poverty made Americans receptive to change.
    • Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Democratic candidate, was seen as a potential solution. He stressed public service and a different approach to the crisis.
    • FDR's administration relied on different perspectives and professionals ("Brain Trust") and established a more diverse team of advisors representing differing viewpoints, including some Republicans.

    Eleanor Roosevelt's Role

    • Eleanor Roosevelt played a significant role in FDR's administration, acting as FDR's "eyes and ears," connecting with the public, and conveying their concerns.

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    Description

    This quiz explores Herbert Hoover's policies during the Great Depression, focusing on his hands-off approach, promotion of volunteerism, and reliance on localism. Examine how these strategies ultimately fell short in addressing the economic crisis and led to increased hardship for many Americans.

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