1. Warmup
What were some of Hoover’s political beliefs during the Great Depression?

2. The Nation Responds to Hoover
Objective: How the people respond to Hoover’s policies.

3. The Nation Responds
Hoover wanted to avoid direct government involvement
During the Depression he modified his beliefs slightly
Was quickly attacked for how he handled the Great Depression

4. The President Loses Favor
Optimistic - the economy would get better
Slowly hurt his credibility
Millions began losing their jobs
“I am convinced that we have passed the worst.”
Was still getting worse
Boasted about his work during the Depression
Believed he protected against distress
Suffering Americans disagreed
People began to question his compassion
Refusal to give direct relief

5. Bonus March
Veterans of WWI given certificates worth $1,000 redeemable 1945
Most out of work – asked to redeem early
Went to capital Hoover refused to acknowledge
Congressional hearing
Senate decides not to pay
Most of 15,000 veterans left
Several thousand stayed

6. Bonus March Built shantytowns and protested peacefully
Many believed them to be a threat
A few protestors were killed with tear gas by police
Hoover feared a battle – sent in military
Infantry, cavalry, and tanks
Shantytowns ordered to be burned
“If an army must be called to make war on unarmed citizens, this is no longer America.”

9. Taxes Hoover believed in a “balanced budget”
Pushed for some tax increases which made him even less popular

10. The Voters React 1930 Midterm 1932 Election Democrats win a majority
Depression showed no sign of getting better
Hoover did not bother campaigning until October