U.S. Presidents

A Detailed Timeline of Herbert Hoover’s Presidency

Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, served from March 4, 1929, to March 4, 1933. Hoover’s presidency was marked by the onset of the Great Depression, which shaped his time in office and influenced his legacy. Known for his background in business and humanitarian efforts, Hoover’s tenure was characterized by significant economic challenges and limited federal intervention. This article provides a detailed timeline of Hoover’s presidency, highlighting key events and milestones.

Early Presidency and Onset of the Great Depression: 1929-1930

  • March 4, 1929: Herbert Hoover is inaugurated as the 31st President of the United States. His inaugural address emphasizes his belief in individualism and self-reliance, and he expresses confidence in the continued prosperity of the nation.
  • October 24, 1929: The stock market crash, known as Black Thursday, marks the beginning of the Great Depression. Hoover’s presidency is immediately affected by the economic downturn, which leads to widespread financial instability and a decline in consumer confidence.
  • November 21, 1929: Hoover convenes the first of several conferences with business and labor leaders to address the economic crisis. He encourages voluntary efforts to maintain employment and stabilize wages, reflecting his preference for limited government intervention.
  • December 5, 1929: Hoover establishes the President’s Organization on Unemployment Relief (POUR) to coordinate private sector efforts to provide relief for the unemployed. This reflects Hoover’s belief in voluntary action and private charity over direct government relief.

Response to the Great Depression: 1930-1931

  • March 1930: The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act is signed into law, increasing tariffs on imported goods to protect American industries. Hoover supports the Act as a measure to boost domestic production, but it faces criticism for exacerbating the economic downturn by reducing international trade.
  • June 1930: The Federal Farm Board is established to support agricultural prices and provide relief to struggling farmers. Hoover supports the Board’s efforts to stabilize farm income and address the agricultural sector’s challenges during the Depression.
  • July 1930: Hoover addresses Congress, outlining his administration’s response to the economic crisis. He emphasizes the need for continued voluntary cooperation and private sector initiatives, while avoiding direct federal intervention in the economy.
  • February 1931: Hoover calls a meeting of governors and mayors to discuss the growing problem of unemployment and the need for coordinated relief efforts. He encourages state and local governments to increase their efforts to provide assistance to those affected by the Depression.

Continued Economic Challenges and Policy Responses: 1931-1932

  • March 1931: The Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) is established to provide financial support to banks and businesses facing liquidity issues. Hoover supports the RFC as a means to stabilize the financial system and restore confidence in the economy.
  • December 1931: Hoover’s administration faces criticism for its handling of the Depression, including its reliance on voluntary relief efforts and limited direct assistance. Public discontent grows as economic conditions worsen and unemployment rises.
  • June 1932: The Bonus Army, a group of World War I veterans, stages a protest in Washington, D.C., demanding early payment of their service bonuses. Hoover’s administration responds with a controversial use of military force to disperse the protesters, leading to widespread criticism and damaging Hoover’s public image.
  • July 1932: Hoover signs the Glass-Steagall Act into law, which reforms the banking system by separating commercial and investment banking activities. The Act reflects Hoover’s efforts to address the financial instability that contributed to the Great Depression.
  • November 8, 1932: The presidential election results in a landslide victory for Franklin D. Roosevelt over Hoover. Roosevelt’s campaign promises include a New Deal program to address the economic crisis and provide direct relief to those affected by the Depression.

End of Presidency and Legacy: 1932-1933

  • March 4, 1933: Herbert Hoover’s presidency ends with the inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt as the 32nd President of the United States. Hoover leaves office having faced significant challenges and criticism during the Great Depression.
  • April 1933: After leaving office, Hoover continues to be involved in public life and offers critiques of Roosevelt’s New Deal policies. He remains an influential figure in American politics and continues to advocate for his economic principles.
  • 1934: Hoover publishes his memoirs and reflects on his presidency and the challenges of the Great Depression. His writings provide insights into his approach to governance and his perspectives on the economic crisis.

Legacy and Impact

Herbert Hoover’s presidency is characterized by several key achievements and challenges:

  • Great Depression Response: Hoover’s presidency is marked by the onset of the Great Depression, and his response to the economic crisis is a central aspect of his legacy. His preference for voluntary action and limited government intervention contrasts with the more direct federal relief programs introduced by his successor, Franklin D. Roosevelt.
  • Economic Policies: Hoover supports several measures aimed at stabilizing the economy, including the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act and the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. However, his policies face criticism for failing to effectively address the severity of the economic downturn.
  • Public Perception: Hoover’s handling of the Great Depression, particularly his response to the Bonus Army and reliance on voluntary relief efforts, contributes to a negative public perception of his presidency. His image as a detached and ineffective leader contrasts with Roosevelt’s more proactive approach.
  • Post-Presidency: After leaving office, Hoover remains an active public figure and continues to engage in political and economic debates. His post-presidential writings and critiques of the New Deal contribute to ongoing discussions about his presidency and legacy.

Conclusion

Herbert Hoover’s presidency was a period of profound economic challenge and transformation. His response to the Great Depression, characterized by a preference for voluntary relief and limited government intervention, reflects his commitment to conservative economic principles. Despite facing significant criticism and public discontent, Hoover’s presidency is remembered for its attempts to address the economic crisis and its impact on the evolution of federal relief policies. His legacy is shaped by both his efforts to manage the Depression and the contrast between his approach and the New Deal reforms introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt.