Hoover Struggles With the Depression

Section 22-3pp. 684-687

Preview Questions• What could be done to help the

nation?

• What action did Hoover take?

I. Hoover Tries To Help • Hoover took little

direct action – Slowdown would

correct itself – Against direct

relief for poor

I. Hoover Tries To Help• “Rugged Individualism”

– Succeed through own efforts, not handouts

– Charities should help needy

I. Hoover Tries To Help• Backlash Against

Hoover– Democrats win

1930 Congressional elections

– Farmers destroy crops rather than sell

– Shantytowns: “Hoovervilles”

II. Hoover Takes Action • Public works projects: Boulder Dam • Federal Home Loan Bank Act

– Lower mortgage rates– Prevent foreclosure

• Reconstruction Finance Corporation– Money for projects to create jobs

II. Hoover Takes Action• Bonus Army

– WWI veterans marched on capital in 1932

– Demanded immediate payment of bonuses

II. Hoover Takes Action– Hoover evicted

veterans after bill failed

– Outraged many Americans, Hoover’s popularity falls