Period 7 1898-1945 3/18/2025 Flashcards
1
Q
What did President Hoover believe was necessary for the nation to get through hard times?
A
Voluntary action & restraint
2
Q
What did Hoover urge businesses to avoid during the economic crisis?
A
Cutting wages
3
Q
What did Hoover encourage unions to refrain from during the economic downturn?
A
Striking
4
Q
What did Hoover ask private charities to do for the needy and unemployed?
A
Increase their efforts
5
Q
Until what year did Hoover hesitate to ask Congress for economic action?
A
1930
6
Q
What was Hoover afraid that government assistance would harm?
A
Self-reliance
7
Q
What did Hoover gradually come to recognize was needed during the economic crisis?
A
More direct government action
8
Q
What traditional view did President Hoover hold regarding public relief?
A
It should come from state & local governments, not the federal government
9
Q
What was the Hawley-Smoot Tariff?
A
A tariff law signed by President Hoover in June 1930 with the highest rates in history.
10
Q
What was the range of tax increases imposed by the Hawley-Smoot Tariff?
A
31% to 49% on foreign imports.
11
Q
What was the purpose of the Hawley-Smoot Tariff?
A
To protect U.S. markets from foreign competition.
12
Q
What was the reaction of European countries to the Hawley-Smoot Tariff?
A
They enacted higher tariffs against U.S. goods.
13
Q
What was the overall effect of the Hawley-Smoot Tariff on international trade?
A
It reduced trade for all nations, worsening the global depression.
14
Q
What is a debt moratorium?
A
A suspension of the payment of international debts.
15
Q
Why was a debt moratorium proposed in 1931?
A
Conditions in Europe and the U.S. had worsened, making the Dawes Plan unfeasible.
16
Q
Which countries accepted the debt moratorium proposed by President Hoover?
A
Britain and Germany.
17
Q
Which country refused the debt moratorium?
A
France.
18
Q
What was one consequence of the international debt moratorium?
A
Massive loan defaults that affected the international economy.
19
Q
What action did banks around the world take in response to the economic conditions?
A
They scrambled to meet demands from depositors withdrawing their money.
20
Q
What was the purpose of the Federal Farm Board?
A
To help farmers stabilize prices by temporarily holding surplus grain and cotton in storage
Created in 1929, its powers were enlarged to address the economic crisis.
21
Q
When was the Federal Farm Board created?
A
1929
It was established before the stock market crash.
22
Q
What issue did the Federal Farm Board face in its program?
A
It was much too modest to handle the continued overproduction of farm goods.
23
Q
What is the full name of RFC?
A
Reconstruction Finance Corporation
24
Q
In what year was the Reconstruction Finance Corporation created?
A
1932
25
What was the purpose of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation?
To help faltering railroads, banks, life insurance companies, and financial institutions
## Footnote
It provided emergency loans to stabilize key businesses.
26
What was President Hoover's reasoning for the RFC?
Emergency loans from the RFC would help stabilize key businesses and bring recovery through trickle-down benefits.
27
What criticism did Democrats have regarding the RFC?
They said it would only help the rich.
28
What was the purpose of the Farm Holiday Association?
To reverse the drop in prices by stopping the entire crop of grain harvested in 1932 from reaching the market.
## Footnote
This movement was primarily organized by farmers in the Midwest.
29
What was the main action taken by farmers to prevent foreclosures?
They banded together to stop banks from foreclosing on their farms and evicting them from their homes.
## Footnote
This was part of a broader unrest on farms during the period.
30
What event is referred to as the Bonus Army March?
Around 1,000 unemployed WWI veterans marched to Washington, D.C. to demand immediate payment of bonuses promised to them.
## Footnote
These bonuses were scheduled for payment in 1945.
31
What happened when the Bonus Army was refused their bonus bill?
Congress failed to pass the bonus bill, leading to increased tensions.
## Footnote
The veterans camped in poor shacks near the Capitol after being joined by thousands of others.
32
What was the outcome of the clash between police and the Bonus Army?
Two veterans were killed, prompting President Hoover to order the army to break up the encampment.
## Footnote
This incident significantly impacted public perception of Hoover.
33
Who was tasked with breaking up the Bonus Army encampment?
General Douglas MacArthur.
## Footnote
He used tanks and tear gas to destroy the shantytown.
34
What public sentiment was created as a result of the Bonus Army incident?
Many Americans regarded President Hoover as heartless and uncaring.
## Footnote
This sentiment arose from the violent dispersal of the veterans.
35
Fill in the blank: The Farm Holiday Association aimed to stop the entire crop of grain harvested in 1932 from reaching the _______.
market.
## Footnote
This was an attempt to combat falling prices.
36
True or False: The Bonus Army initially marched to Washington, D.C. to demand immediate payment of their bonuses.
True
## Footnote
The veterans sought early payment instead of waiting until 1945.
37
How did President Hoover reply to the veterans?
He told them that bonuses weren’t promised and they need to leave since they are trespassing
38
What year was the presidential election that coincided with the worst year of the depression?
1932
39
Who did the Republicans re-nominate for president in the 1932 election?
Herbert Hoover
40
What warning did Hoover give regarding a Democratic victory?
It would only result in worse economic problems
41
Who was the Democratic nominee for president in 1932?
Franklin Roosevelt
42
Who was the Democratic nominee for vice president in 1932?
John Garner
43
What did Roosevelt pledge as part of his campaign?
A 'new deal' for the American people
44
What were some key elements of Roosevelt's campaign promises?
* Repeal of Prohibition
* Aid for the unemployed
* Cuts in government spending
45
What was the primary issue for voters in the 1932 election?
The depression
46
What percentage of voters concluded it was time for a change in the 1932 election?
Almost 60%
47
Who was elected as president in the 1932 election?
Franklin Roosevelt
48
What term describes Hoover's position between Roosevelt's election and inauguration?
Lame duck
49
How long was Hoover a 'lame duck' president?
Four months
50
What was Hoover's situation during his time as a 'lame duck' president?
Powerless to cope with the depression
51
Did Hoover offer to work with Roosevelt during the transition period?
Yes
52
Why did Roosevelt decline Hoover's offer to work together?
Not wanting to be tied to any of Hoover's ideas
53
What amendment was passed in February 1933 regarding presidential terms?
20th Amendment
54
What did the 20th Amendment change about presidential terms?
Shortened the period between an election and inauguration
55
What new date did the 20th Amendment establish for the start of a president's term?
January 20
56
Why was the 20th Amendment put in place?
Because stuff needed to get done quicker
57
Who was FDR related to and how?
He was a distant cousin of Theodore Roosevelt and married to Theodore's niece, Eleanor.
58
What was significant about FDR's impact on the federal government?
He expanded the size of the federal government and enlarged the powers of the presidency.
59
How long did FDR serve as president?
12 years and two months.
60
What notable challenge did FDR face in his personal life?
He was paralyzed by polio in 1921.
61
Did FDR keep his polio condition a secret?
Yes, he tried to keep it a secret.
62
What was the outcome of FDR's struggle with polio in terms of his physical abilities?
He regained the full power of his upper body but could never walk unaided.
63
What aids did FDR require due to his condition?
He required crutches, braces, and a wheelchair.
64
What role did Eleanor Roosevelt take on as First Lady?
She became the most active First Lady in history.
65
What activities did Eleanor Roosevelt engage in during her time as First Lady?
She wrote a newspaper column, gave speeches, and traveled the country.
66
True or False: FDR was one of the most influential world leaders of the 20th century.
True.
67
What are the three R's of the New Deal?
Relief, Recovery, Reform
## Footnote
These concepts were central to Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs.
68
Who pledged to create a new deal for the American people in 1932?
Franklin D. Roosevelt
## Footnote
This pledge was made during his speech at the Democratic convention.
69
What did FDR promise to help during his campaign?
The forgotten man at the bottom of the economic pyramid
## Footnote
This phrase highlighted his commitment to assist those most affected by the economic crisis.
70
Fill in the blank: The New Deal aimed to provide _______ for people out of work.
Relief
71
Fill in the blank: The New Deal aimed for _______ for business and the economy as a whole.
Recovery
72
Fill in the blank: The New Deal aimed to achieve _______ of American economic institutions.
Reform
73
True or False: The New Deal programs were primarily focused on reforming American social institutions.
False
## Footnote
The focus was on economic institutions.
74
What did FDR do to repeal Prohibition?
FDR repealed Prohibition by having Congress pass the Beer-Wine Revenue Act, which legalized the sale of beer and wine.
## Footnote
The 21st Amendment, ratified in 1933, officially repealed the 18th Amendment.
75
What was the purpose of the Beer-Wine Revenue Act?
To raise tax money by legalizing the sale of beer and wine.
## Footnote
This act was part of the broader effort to repeal Prohibition.
76
When was the 21st Amendment ratified?
In 1933.
## Footnote
The 21st Amendment ended Prohibition, which was established by the 18th Amendment.
77
What crisis prompted the bank holiday ordered by FDR?
Banks were failing at a frightening rate as depositors rushed to withdraw funds.
## Footnote
This situation threatened the stability of the banking system.
78
What date was the bank holiday ordered?
March 6, 1933.
## Footnote
This measure aimed to restore confidence in the banking system.
79
Why did FDR go on the radio during the bank holiday?
To explain that the banks would reopen after being reorganized on a sound basis.
## Footnote
This was part of his efforts to communicate directly with the American people.
80
What were the Fireside Chats?
Radio addresses by FDR to assure the American people about various issues, including the safety of reopened banks.
## Footnote
The first Fireside Chat occurred on March 12, 1933.
81
What was FDR's assurance regarding the banks during the Fireside Chats?
That the banks which reopened after the bank holiday were now safe.
## Footnote
This was crucial for restoring public trust in the banking system.
82
Fill in the blank: FDR mandated the bank holding on one of these _______.
fireside chats.
## Footnote
This emphasized the importance of communication during the banking crisis.
83
What did the Emergency Banking Relief Act require the government to do?
Examine finances of banks closed during the bank holiday & reopen those judged to be sound
## Footnote
This act was part of the response to the banking crisis during the Great Depression.
84
What is the purpose of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)?
Guaranteed individual bank deposits up to $5,000
## Footnote
This was implemented to restore public confidence in the banking system.
85
What did the Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) provide?
Refinancing of small homes to prevent foreclosures
## Footnote
HOLC aimed to help homeowners who were struggling to meet their mortgage payments.
86
What type of loans did the Farm Credit Administration provide?
Low-interest farm loans & mortgages
## Footnote
This was intended to prevent foreclosures on the property of indebted farmers.
87
What assistance did the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) offer?
Grants of federal money to states & local governments for relief efforts
## Footnote
FERA supported soup kitchens and other forms of relief for the jobless & homeless.
88
What was the main function of the Public Works Administration (PWA)?
Allotted money for building roads, bridges, dams, & other public works
## Footnote
These construction projects created thousands of jobs.
89
Who did the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) employ?
Young men on projects on federal lands
## Footnote
The CCC also provided small monthly sums to their families.
90
What was the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) known for?
Regional development & public planning in the Tennessee Valley
## Footnote
TVA aimed to build dams, operate electric power plants, control flooding and erosion, and manufacture fertilizer.
91
True or False: The FDIC was created to insure bank deposits beyond $5,000.
False
## Footnote
The FDIC guaranteed deposits up to $5,000.
92
Fill in the blank: The _______ provided refinancing of small homes to prevent foreclosures.
Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC)
## Footnote
HOLC was a key program during the Great Depression aimed at supporting homeowners.
93
What significant benefit did the CCC provide to families of employed young men?
Paid small monthly sums to their families
## Footnote
This was part of the CCC's efforts to support families while providing employment.
94
What was the purpose of the Civil Works Administration (CWA)?
To create jobs by hiring laborers for temporary construction projects sponsored by the federal government.
95
What agency was created to regulate the stock market?
The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC).
96
What were the main goals of the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC)?
To regulate the stock market and place strict limits on speculative practices.
97
What did the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) do?
Insured bank loans for building new houses and repairing old ones.
98
What major change occurred regarding the gold standard in the U.S.?
The U.S. was taken off the gold standard.
99
What was the value of the dollar set at after the U.S. left the gold standard?
$35 per ounce of gold.
100
True or False: After the U.S. left the gold standard, paper dollars were still redeemable in gold.
False.
101
Fill in the blank: The Civil Works Administration was added to the _______ & other New Deal programs to create jobs.
PWA
102
What was the purpose of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in relation to the construction industry?
To give a boost by insuring bank loans.
103
What economic issue was the U.S. attempting to halt by taking the country off the gold standard?
Deflation.
104
What year was the Social Security Act passed?
1935
105
What type of program did the Social Security Act create?
A federal insurance program
106
How are funds collected for the Social Security program?
Through automatic collection of taxes from employees and employers
107
What is the primary purpose of the Social Security trust fund?
To make monthly payments to retired persons over the age of 65
108
Who else, besides retired persons, receives benefits under the Social Security Act?
* Workers who lost their jobs (unemployment compensation)
* Persons who are blind or otherwise disabled
* Dependent children and their mothers
109
True or False: The Social Security Act was designed to prevent retirees from going bankrupt.
True
110
Fill in the blank: The Social Security Act ensures that after retiring you wouldn’t get _______.
bankrupt
111
What was the state of the economy in 1936?
The economy was improved but still weak & unstable.
112
Who did the Democrats nominate for a second term in 1936?
FDR (Franklin D. Roosevelt).
113
Why was FDR popular among workers and small farmers?
Because of his New Deal programs & active style of leadership.
114
How did businesses generally feel about FDR?
Businesses generally disliked him due to his regulatory programs & pro-union measures.
115
What significant act is mentioned as a pro-union measure by FDR?
The Wagner Act.
116
What coalition of support did the Democratic Party gain behind FDR's New Deal?
A new coalition of popular support.
117
From which demographic did the Democrats receive new support in 1936?
African Americans, mainly in northern cities.
118
Why did African Americans leave the Republican Party?
Because of FDR's New Deal.
119
What was the general trend of the economy from 1933 to 1937?
The economy was showing signs of life again
120
What happened to the economy in the winter of 1937?
The economy went backwards again
121
122
What were women trying to do during the Depression?
Find more jobs to supplement the low income being brought home by their husbands
123
What event in the 1930s led to the Great Plains becoming known as a dust bowl?
A huge drought ruined crops
124
What was the impact of the Dust Bowl on farmers?
Crops were ruined
125
What continued in the 1930s that affected African Americans?
Racial discrimination
126
How did hard times during the Depression affect racial tensions?
Increased tensions, especially in the south
127
What act repealed the Dawes Act of 1887?
Indian reorganization (Wheeler-Howard Act)
128
What did the Indian Reorganization Act accomplish?
Returned lands to the control of the tribes
