1. American History Chapter 15: Crash and Depression
IV. The Election of 1932

2. Objectives
Find out how President Hoover responded to the Great Depression.
Learn what Roosevelt meant when he offered Americans a “new deal”
Realize why the election of 1932 was a significant turning point in American politics.

3. Bell Ringer Why are elections important?
Give me a specific example of how elections are an avenue of change.
Have you ever heard the Democrat theme song, “Happy Days are Here Again?”
Written in lyrics relate to the 30s.

4. A) Hoover’s Limited Strategy
Hoover at first took no action – have “confidence”
Voluntary Action Fails: business voluntary leave wages up – lasted a year
The Government Acts: Tried to stabilize farm prices – failed – lost $150 million. Spent money on projects – Boulder Dam, roads, parks, and so one
Hawley-Smoot Tariff: highest tariff in history – Europe responded – stopped trade
Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC): money to businesses, banks, and mortgages
People thought government supporting big business

5. Hoovers Unpopularity Grows: he believed that state and local governments handle relief. – no direct government involvement
John Meynard Keynes (British) – massive government spending should help a collapsing economy and encourage growth – not widely accepted
Bonus Army: 20,000 WWI veterans and families camped outside of White House wanting their 1945 pensions now.
Hoover called in the army to remove the ex-troops – got violent – their shacks burned – hurt Hoover in next election

6. B) A “New Deal” for America
“I pledge myself to a new deal for the American people” FDR - Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Harvard grad – Senator – Assistant Secretary of the Navy
Eleanor – niece of Teddy Roosevelt – distant cousins – experienced political worker and social reformer
Wealthy – but cared for poor – polio – wanted to close gap between rich and poor

7. C) The Election of 1932 Contest of philosophies
Hoover did not want a big powerful government
Roosevelt – “a reappraisal of values”
Optimistic – won by 7 million votes
At oath Roosevelt addressed the crowd – “This nation asks for action and action now” – hope moved through the crowd
“So first of all let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”
Having overcome fear in his own live many times, Roosevelt spoke with conviction and confidence, reassuring a frightened nation.

8. Review How did President Hoover respond to the Great Depression?
What did Roosevelt mean when he offered Americans a “new deal”?
Why was the election of 1932 a significant turning point for American politics?