1. Herbert Hoover “Rugged Individualism” American economy can fix itself
Government will not step in to “help out the people”

2. Why Rugged Individualism -
Republican Philosophies
Laissez-Faire Principles
No tax increases (for programs)
No deficit spending
Socialist Fears
After WWI, govt socialism was growing in Russia and Germany and Hoover thought that is was leading to their prolonged depression. Didn’t want to bring it hear (what is socialism?)

3. How do citizens get relief?
State and Local Govt responsible
Not a FEDERAL problem
Local communities can set up relief
Charities should be set up
Local churches, community groups, organizations can help local people

4. Hoover’s Plans - Industry Conferences
Series of meetings w/ banks, businesses, labor leaders
Businesses agree to keep factories open and stop slashing wages
RESULT:
Many wages cut, jobs lost to try to keep businesses open

5. Hoover’s Plans - Emergency Relief and Construction Plan
Government will pay
people to work
Construction jobs lost from private sector
$1.5 B in “Public Works” $300 M in loans to states
RESULT:
Gov’t can’t provide enough jobs without massive increases in spending...taxes (Hoover would not do)
Little Effect (TOO LITTLE – TOO LATE)

6. Hoovervilles
As millions of Americans lost their homes across the United States, they gathered together in small shacks forming new communities.
What does the name of these areas help show about the feelings of many Americans?

14. American Communist Party organizes rallies
Hunger Marches
American Communist Party organizes rallies
Crowds began protesting across the US chanting slogans such as
“Feed the hungry, tax the rich!”

15. Prices for food and dairy dropped dramatically after WWI
Farmers Angry
Prices for food and dairy dropped dramatically after WWI
Farmers destroyed crops to raise awareness (protest) and to cut supply to try to raise prices
- Burn corn field
- Dump milk on highway

16. Vets given $500 but Hoover’s reputation tainted
BONUS ARMY
Over 15,000 vets march on Washington, DC to ask for early bonus from WWI ($1000 due 1945)
The Senate voted down the early bonus and Hoover ordered marchers out of Washington, DC
Cavalry, infantry and tanks clear camps. Shacks burned. Three dead, 54 wounded.
Vets given $500 but Hoover’s reputation tainted

21. The Election of 1932 vs
Hoover FDR

22. FDR Wins in a Landslide Victory
FDR = Blue States
First Inaugural Address

23. FDR Reached out to the People
Fireside Chats
Conversations with the American people about important events dealing with our nation