Warmup What was the Dust Bowl?

Objective: Hoover’s philosophy during the 1930’s Hoover as President Objective: Hoover’s philosophy during the 1930’s

Philosophy Core beliefs – business Knew exactly how he wanted to run U.S. Less than a year in office – stock market crash Hoover looked to his beliefs to guide him

“Rugged Individualism” Served under Harding and Coolidge Shared many of the same beliefs Government regulation threatens prosperity “One of the great problems of government is to determine to what extent the Government itself shall interfere with commerce and industry and how much it shall leave to individual exertion … opportunity and freedom to the individual, our American experiment has yielded a degree of well-being unparalleled in the world.”

“Rugged Individualism” Hoover did not reject the idea of government oversight Also did not believe in letting business do whatever they want Hoover believed it was important for people to feel responsible for themselves

The Associative State Individualism does not necessarily mean not government interaction Businesses should form associations Government would the “cooperate” with the associations to determine the best route for the U.S. Associative state

The Associative State Was secretary of commerce Often held meetings with business leaders and discussed how to achieve national goals Used these conferences while president too Urged corporations not to lay off workers If companies did not lay off workers – there could be money available for consumer goods

Hoover Dam Dam that would harness the Colorado River to provide electricity and a safe water supply Group of six independent companies joined to construct Served to demonstrate the success of partnerships between corporations and the government 21,000 men and $165 million

Voluntary Cooperation Before crash – how to help farmers? Program of loans to create and strengthen farm cooperatives Organization owned and controlled by its members – work towards a common goal Large groups of farmers could buy supplies at lower prices Help distribute agricultural knowledge

Voluntary Cooperation After crash – still rely on cooperation Not government intervention

Hoover During the Depression What did Hoover think the president’s job was during the Great Depression?