1. Government and the Depression
Photos by photographer Dorothea Lange

2. HOOVER WINS 1928 ELECTION
Herbert Hoover continues Republican dominancy in the 1920s with his election win in 1928.
Promises to continue prosperity.

3. Great Depression Review
Black Tuesday- Day the Stock Market crashed.
Dust Bowl- drought in the great plains, brought on economic depression.
Soup Kitchens and Bread lines.

5. SECTION 3: HOOVER STRUGGLES WITH THE DEPRESSION
After the stock market crash, President Hoover tried to reassure Americans
Used Lassiez-Faire approach, let the business cycle run its course.
Herbert Hoover

6. HOOVER’S PHILOSOPHY Hoover was not quick to react to the depression
Hoover believed in “rugged individualism” – the idea that people succeed through their own efforts
People should take care of themselves, not depend on governmental hand-outs
He said people should “pull themselves up by their bootstraps”
Hoover believed it was the individuals job to take care of themselves, not the governments

7. HOOVER’S SUCCESSFUL DAM PROJECT
Hoover successfully organized and authorized the construction of the Hoover Dam.
The $700 million project was the world’s tallest dam (726 feet) and the second largest (1,244 feet long)
The dam currently provides electricity, flood control and water for 7 western states

8. Any dam questions?

9. HOOVER TAKES ACTION: TOO LITTLE TOO LATE
Hoover gradually softened his position on government intervention in the economy
Hoover created several governmental projects to help out the people, but his efforts were too weak and late.
Hoover’s flurry of activity came too late to save the economy or his job

10. BONUS ARMY A 1932 incident further damaged Hoover’s image
That spring about 15,000 World War I vets arrived in Washington to support a proposed bill that would give the vets their war bonus.

11. Thousands of Bonus Army soldiers protest – Spring 1932
BONUS ARMY TURNED DOWN
Hoover called the Bonus marchers, “Communists and criminals”
On June 17, 1932 the Senate voted down the Putnam Bill
Thousands of Bonus Army soldiers protest – Spring 1932

12. BONUS MARCHERS CLASH WITH SOLDIERS
Hoover told the Bonus marchers to go home– most did
Hoover sent a force of 1,000 soldiers under the command of General Douglas MacArthur and his aide Dwight Eisenhower
Hoover receives a huge black eye for the event.

13. Hoover vs FDR
The 1932 presidential election showed that Americans were clearly ready for a change
Republicans re-nominate Hoover.
Democrats nominate Franklin D. Roosevelt.

14. ROOSEVELT WINS OVERWHELMING VICTORY
Republicans- let business run its course. (viewed as not caring, inactive)
Democrats- use the government to help the people. (viewed as caring)
FDR easily won election in 1932 (first of 4).
Democrats gain super-majorities in both the House and Senate. (Something they’ll hold for a long time)
FDR easily won the 1932 election

16. Hoover had little chance to be re-elected in 1932