Herbert hoover vs Franklin d Roosevelt

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Created by
Danielle

Cards (10)

  • Herbert Hoover

    Thought the Great Depression had been caused by worldwide problems that were beyond America's control, believed it would be over quickly, believed in rugged individualism as a self-made millionaire
  • Many Americans lost faith in Hoover's ability to lead them out of the Depression
  • Franklin D Roosevelt

    Offered an alternative perspective on the Depression, was subsequently elected to become the next President
  • Hoover's response to the Great Depression
    Optimistically declared that "prosperity is just around the corner", believed the solution was not federal government intervention but rugged individualism, private charity and local communities helping those in need, was keen to keep a balanced budget
  • Hoover's actions

    1. Passed the 1930 Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act to add more taxes to foreign goods
    2. Set up the Reconstruction Finance Corporation in 1932 to lend money to businesses in need
    3. Made $300 million available to states for public works projects, but only $30 million was used
  • There was a view that Hoover did too little, too late
  • Hoover's unpopularity

    The economy did not get back on track, he was increasingly mocked and blamed for the continued hardships, homeless people lived in 'Hoovervilles' and used 'Hoover blankets'
  • The 1932 Bonus March

    Around 20,000 unemployed veterans asked for their war bonuses of $1,000 to be paid early, protested and set up a camp in Washington, DC, President Hoover ordered General Douglas MacArthur to drive them away with guns, tanks and tear gas
  • Franklin D Roosevelt

    Was charismatic and an effective public speaker, toured the country meeting voters and campaigning, had contracted polio which left him permanently paralysed from the waist down, some voters believed his ability to overcome personal difficulties made him more relatable to ordinary Americans
  • With President Hoover and Republicans being blamed for the Depression, Roosevelt won the election in a huge victory, only 6 out of the 48 states voted for Hoover