Hoover's Attempts to Deal with the Depression Flashcards
What did Hoover believe government intervention would destroy?
Individual strength
What did Hoover refuse to fund?
Welfare programmes
Why did Hoover refuse to fund welfare programmes?
He believe that such assistance would reduce the incentive to work
What was rugged individualism?
The idea that every man should fend for himself
What was Hoover nicknamed?
The do nothing President
What event damaged Hoover’s reputation?
The June 1932 Bonus March
What was the Bonus March?
Thousands of servicemen from WW1 marched on Washington asking for their war bonuses to be paid early. The marchers camped peacefully outside the White House and sang patriotic songs
How did Hoover deal with the Bonus March?
Appointed General MacArthur to handle the situation
How did MacArthur deal with the situation?
MacArthur convinced himself that they were Communist agitators and ignored Hoover’s instructions to treat the marchers with respect. Troops and police used tear gas and burned their camps
When did Hoover form the Mexican Repatriation Programme?
1929
Why did Hoover institute the Mexican Repatriation Programme?
To reduce white American unemployment levels
Due to the Mexican Repatriation Programme, how many Mexicans and Mexican Americans were forced to migrate back to Mexico?
Over 500,000
Why is the term Repatriation inaccurate?
60% of those forced out were US citizens
When did Hoover introduce the Smoot-Hawley Tariff?
1930
What did the Smoot-Hawley Tariff do?
Raise the tariff on thousands of imported items as part of a failed effort to encourage the purchase and growth of American-made goods, raise federal revenue and protect farmers
Why was the Smoot-Hawley Tariff disastrous for the US and world economies?
It caused a global trade war and a rapid, 80% decline in international trade
Why did farmers in Iowa (Hoover’s hometown) protest?
Hoover failed to increase the money made by farmers
What did the protestors in Iowa protest?
“In Hoover we trusted but now we are busted”
What did the Agricultural Marketing Act authorise?
Loans to farmers and businessmen to help prevent them going bankrupt
When was the Agricultural Marketing Act introduced?
1929
Why were the loans authorised by the Agricultural Marketing Act not effective?
They were expected to be paid back
When did Hoover cut taxes to restart the economy?
1930
When did Hoover set up the Emergency Relief Act?
1932
What did the Emergency Relief Act do?
Set aside $300 million to provide unemployment pay
What was the National Credit Corporation?
An association of major private banks that loaned to smaller banks on the verge of collapse
In 1931, how much did Hoover give state governments to set up schemes, like the Hoover dam, to provide work?
$4 billion
