1932 election

• What was Hoover's initial belief about the duration of the economic crash?

  He thought the crash would be short-lived.
• What does laissez-faire mean in the context of Hoover's beliefs?

  It meant the government would limit its intervention in the economy.
• How did Hoover view government interference in the economy?

  He believed too much interference would prevent economic normality from returning.
• What does rugged individualism imply according to Hoover?

  People were expected to overcome problems and succeed by their own efforts.
• Why did Hoover think aid would damage morals?

  He believed it would encourage idleness.
• What was Hoover's stance on voluntarism?

  He believed help for the homeless and hungry should come from charities, businesses, churches, and local government, not the federal government.
• What does balancing the budget mean in Hoover's context?

  It meant ensuring the government spent no more than it earned in taxes.
• What did Hoover believe caused the depression?

  He thought it was caused by problems in the worldwide economy, beyond America’s control.
• What actions did Hoover take when the depression deepened in 1930?

  He took some action, but it was not until 1932 that substantial measures were introduced.
• How did Hoover's perception of the depression affect his policies?

  He underestimated the length and severity of the depression, leading to ineffective policies.
• What was the increase in unemployment during Hoover's presidency?

  Unemployment increased from 1.6 million to 14 million.
• What was the condition of wages in many industries during Hoover's presidency?

  Wages fell far below the poverty level.
• What were "Hoovervilles" and "Hoover blankets"?

  "Hoovervilles" were makeshift shantytowns, and "Hoover blankets" referred to newspapers used for warmth.
• What was Hoover's response to direct aid for the poor?

  He refused to introduce direct aid until 1932.
• How did public works introduced by Hoover in 1932 affect the situation?

  They were considered "too little, too late".
• How did Hoover's help to farmers in the Dust Bowl regions compare to their needs?

  His help was totally inadequate, especially for sharecroppers.
• What was a common sentiment expressed by voters regarding Hoover's campaign promises?

  Voters did not believe his promise that, “Prosperity is just around the corner”.
• How did Hoover's speeches during his campaign affect his popularity?

  His speeches increased his unpopularity due to their emphasis on self-reliance.
• How did Hoover's personality compare to that of Franklin D. Roosevelt?

  Hoover was seen as cool and remote, lacking warmth and charm compared to Roosevelt.
• What was the public reaction to the removal of the Bonus Army from Washington?

  Millions of Americans were horrified by the methods used and the resulting deaths and injuries.
• Why did Roosevelt win the 1932 election?

  Roosevelt appealed to the electorate in a number of ways.
• How did Roosevelt help the poor as Governor of New York State?

  He set up the first state-run relief scheme.
• How did Roosevelt's ideas differ from Hoover's during the election campaign?

  Roosevelt's ideas were radically different from Hoover’s “rugged individualism.”
• What was one of Roosevelt's main election promises?

  He promised a “New Deal” for everyone.
• What role did Roosevelt say the government would have in the economy?

  He said the government would have a more active role in the economy.
• What did Roosevelt promise regarding public works and relief schemes?

  He promised more public works and relief schemes.
• What did Roosevelt declare he would do to revive agriculture and industry?

  He declared he would experiment with new ideas.
• How did the electorate respond to Roosevelt's promises?

  The electorate was desperate for change and liked the promises of a “New Deal” and “Action and Action Now.”
• How did Roosevelt's campaign style differ from Hoover's?

  Roosevelt ran a positive and energetic campaign.
• What did Roosevelt do to bring his message to ordinary people during his campaign?

  He travelled around America.
• How did Roosevelt's disability affect his campaign?

  He campaigned in spite of his disability from polio.
• How did Roosevelt compare to Hoover in terms of approachability and charisma?

  Roosevelt was much more approachable and charismatic than Hoover.
• How many radio broadcasts did Roosevelt address the nation with between 1933 and 1944?

  30 radio broadcasts.
• What were Roosevelt's radio broadcasts known as?

  They were known as “fireside chats.”
• What subjects did Roosevelt address in his “fireside chats”?

  He addressed a wide range of subjects, from banking to European politics.
• What were the key components of Roosevelt's campaign strategy in the 1932 election?

  • Promised a “New Deal” for everyone
  • Advocated for a more active government role in the economy
  • Pledged more public works and relief schemes
  • Experimented with new ideas to revive agriculture and industry
  • Ran a positive and energetic campaign
  • Conducted 30 radio broadcasts known as “fireside chats”